That is true. Speaking as someone who graduated from college many years ago, I think MOOCs are a great way to determine whether I want to invest time after work in pursuing either another degree or further education for my own personal interest or career. Since I am investing only my time (vs. my time and money), I am pretty excited about looking into a couple of the courses I discovered while researching this piece. If I enjoy studying again, then I most likely would prefer a blend of traditional classroom learning with a dash of online. 

Times are changing and it is good to see the education market keeping up. However online should be supplemental but for many learners nothing beats hands on

As I read this I combine this idea with my daughter's return home from college for the holiday weekend.  She is a freshman and she is loving her college experience, yet for next semester she's disappointed that she has an online class versus a "real" class and she is on the waiting list - hoping to get the in-person class. 

It does not appear to be an age thing, as my daughter is most certainly of the millenial / internet generation, but some people just don't learn as well online.  The same way that some people learn more from reading versus attending a class - online or physical class. 

For me it's the challenge of figuring out how your employee will learn best - and getting them the appropriate resources so they learn the most and can then apply that to their job.

This is a great initiative, however, how would senior executives and decision makers feel about this? Asking a high ranked official of your company to attend a lecture could send the wrong message to them, even if the intent behind it pure. People's egos might get in the way of learning, plus the political factor that so often hinder the way of change may spoil this too.

I think the main obstacles are fear and change. I believe these obstacles are only with the older faculty (those nearing social security). I believe most of the older faculty are fearful of such learning process and worse they refuse change because of age (thinking too old when having to learn to do something new).

As faculty and school administrators get more inclined to advanced technology, long distance learning will be more acceptable. By ivy league schools officially endorsing, all other schools not doing it will eventually do so because they will have to.

The New York Times published a long article today on MOOCs, if you're interested in reading more anecdotes about individuals who are using and teaching the courses. 

That is a fantastic idea, Imran. There is the One Laptop per Child initiative, of course, that aims to equip every child with a rugged, low-cost laptop. And there are other programs that look to provide more bandwidth to poorer parts of the world. As we see all too often, there are many regions where education is a privilege, not a right, and using technology would definitely help many boys and (especially) girls receive the skills they need to go far in life. 

You're 100% correct about the way in which professors zealously protect their kingdoms. I am not sure how/if professors and teachers get paid for these online, free-to-students classes; I hope so, although I don't know whether the university/college, the online site (Coursera et al), or a sponsor/advertiser would pay. Does anyone know?

But i don't believe these academics can prevent this surge from occurring. There is too much pent up demand and there are too many educators apparently willing to teach these online courses. Thankfully!