Coursera: 3D Printing Specialization

This Specialization will introduce you to the magic of 3D printing. Through a series of four cohesive courses and a hands-on capstone experience, you will acquire the knowledge, skills, and tools to turn your ideas into objects! This specialization has been developed by faculty experts from the Illinois MakerLab (the world's first 3D printing lab in a Business School) along with industry experts from both Autodesk (a leading 3D software firm) and Ultimaker (a leading 3D hardware firm).

You will obtain a rich understanding of what 3D printing is, how 3D printers work, and how this new technology is being used by both individuals and firms to revolutionize our world. In addition, you will acquire a set of tangible skills that will enable you to create digital designs that you can transform into physical objects. These skills can be used to help you launch a career in the growing field of 3D printing, be the 3D printing expert in your current firm, or make the things you need. 

Hurry, it starts on May 8!

Here at UH Mānoa, you can try out the 3D printer in the iLab (Bldg 37). Right now it's free. Check out their website and calendar here! The iLab is also available for teaching courses.

Coursera 3D Printing Specialization

Coursera MOOC Student Map!

LIVE map of all the students signed up for this Coursera MOOC

LIVE MOOC MAP

Creativity, Innovation, and Change
from Penn State University

Coursera MOOC - Signature Track & Web Cam

Coursera MOOC Signature Track & the Web Cam Experience

Aloha everyone! Today I signed up for Signature Track using a web cam and Coursera's online secure identity verification process. Since I didn't have a web cam on my PC, I used a Mac with Safari.

It was a quick process from start to finish - 5 minutes at the most. 

First, I clicked on the Signature Track button on my course page. Then it took me to another page with a couple boxes where I typed the same sentence twice. That recorded my personal typing style, which will be verified throughout the course! Wow! 

Next I took a picture of myself with the webcam. Coursera walks you through the process. Then, I held up my driver's license to the webcam and took a picture of that, which Coursera saves to validate your identity. 

Last, I paid the $14.50 fee for Signature Track with my 1/2 off voucher. In case you missed my earlier post, here's the link: Signature Track Guidebook.

I received an email that takes me to a nice course page with the syllabus and all the other materials necessary to complete

Foundations of Teaching for Learning 1: Introduction.

If you're curious about the course, here's a PDF you can check out:  http://www.cte.hawaii.edu/blog/edsquared/Intro2Teaching4LearningAug2013.pdf

Please comment here if you've tried a Coursera or other Mooc!

Coursera MOOC

MOOC Experience w/Suzy

I don't know if I'm a typical MOOC student, but I've signed up for at least 3 courses out of curiosity over the last year or so on Coursera and haven't found the time to try out even one of them. But things are getting interesting. I signed up for the first in a series: Foundations of Teaching in Learning 1: Introduction! starting on August 5th for 4 weeks.

What's interesting is that Coursera emailed me with an invitation to join the "Signature Track" for this particular course. What's that? Here's what Coursera states on their Signature Track Guidebook page:

Signature Track is a new option that will give students in select classes the opportunity to earn a Verified Certificate for completing their Coursera course. Signature Track securely links your coursework to your identity, allowing you to confidently show the world what you’ve achieved on Coursera.

My invitation included an early bird 50% off voucher. The cost for Signature Track? $29.00. With my voucher, I'll pay $14.50. If I don't want to join the Signature track, I will still receive the standard Statement of Accomplishment if I successfully complete the free course. What's different about the Signature Track? It allows you to connect your certificate with your identity using their secure identity verification system.

I wonder if paying $14.50 for a verifiable certificate is enough incentive for me to put out the effort to see the course through completion? 
Next step: the online verification process. 

Comment below if you've tried a Coursera or other MOOC!