Learning Ecosystems

From DSC:
With thanks to Elliott Masie who mentioned this item on today’s edition of his Learning TRENDS (#898 – Updates on Learning, Business & Technology).

Elliott writes:

I’m Taking 2 Online Classes from Usher and Dustin Hoffman: When I woke up this morning, I took an Acting Performance Class from Dustin Hoffman. And, this afternoon a Singing Performance Class from Usher.

Now, while I am a Broadway Producer, I don’t aspire to sing or act on a theater stage. But, I am intrigued by leveraging the celebrity and experience of “Hero” level subject matter experts – for an online class.

This is a venture called MasterClass – and offers classes with a dozen asynchronous classes – featuring the teacher – including activities and office hours. These courses cost about $50.

While it is just the beginning of my experience, I decided to do some research – and have enrolled a few Broadway actors and non-actors in the sessions – that will expand to include Kevin Spacey, Serena Williams and others as the teachers.

Do hero teachers add to the learning cycle – beyond enrollment interest. Intriguing and I will share more feedback as we experiment. MasterClass is at http://www.masterclass.com

From their website:

MasterClass is an immersive online experience, which gives everyone the opportunity to learn from the world’s best practitioners. Every class was created by the instructor and includes extensive video content, class workbook, interactive assignments, and community activities.