Last week we talked about MMORPGs and MOBAs. This week we embark on a different multiplayer experience, the MOOC, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Class is in session for Christina Blanch’s (Ball State University) Gender Through Comic Books MOOC, and the best part of it all is that homework equals reading comic books. 7000 students are enrolled in this class that does not seek to define the comic book or gender roles in comic books, but gets students thinking critically about the subject.

It has been a few years since I’ve been to a classroom for any reason, but I have been enjoying the free iTunes U to learn about some basic computer science. The most convenient part of the iTunesexperience is that I can move along at my own pace and watch videos in my down time. When I had first heard of Christina Blanch’s course at Canvas.Net on John Siuntres’ Word Balloon podcast, I signed up, because I was intrigued by not only the platform but the subject matter. The course is free with open enrollment and students are allowed to join in at any time. The course will be archived on the site and students can go at their own pace. Also, the level of engagement is entirely up to the student.

If you wish to just watch the videos and skip the homework, you can do that, but you won’t get the cool certificate at the end.

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