THOUGHTS by Anonymous: EdX.Org: Because Life is a Never Ending Learning Process

One of the main reasons why I've bought a laptop this year is to earn an Honor Code Certificate from edX. My friend introduced me to edX last year and I just didn't have the time to complete an online course due to gadget limitation since the speed of our desktop computer back then was comparable to that of a turtle. Finally, last night my most awaited moment has come.

edX is an MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) provider. edX was founded in 2012 by two of the most reputable universities in the world, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The best thing about this is you can get access to free quality online education. There are a hundred courses you can choose in their website. Whether you like engineering, psychology, history, writing, you name it. You can find it in edX.

How do the online classes work? In each course, there are different time frame, kinds of quizzes and homework. One thing in common in all courses is that watching videos is an essential part of our learning in edX since that's the only way the facilitators could "communicate" with us. You can also communicate with the facilitators thru the Discussion panel or thru Facebook and Twitter. 

         Screenshot of the instructional video with transcripts at the side.

Audio exams. You will listen to the audio and you input the correct Pinyin or Traditional or Simplified characters.  For this particular course, the correct answer doesn't show but you can re submit your answers for a limited count.

What do you get after you have completed a course? You get to have an Honor Code Certificate or a Verified Certificate. At the end of the course, you get an Honor Code Certificate that is for FREE but if you want to have the institute's logo and facilitator's signature on your certificate, you have the option to upgrade to a Verified Certificate for $49 or Php 2,200.00. Verified Certificates also verify your identity. These certificates are also a GREAT way to make your resume interesting when you apply for a job.

I enrolled to a Basic Mandarin Course. I have a Mandarin background since I went to a Chinese school in my elementary and high school years but sadly my knowledge in Mandarin got rusty because I don't speak Chinese (I don't live with Chinese speaking people) at home so I don't get to practice my conversational skills. I had plans of taking Mandarin classes that costs Php 6,000.00 for 10 sessions but it was too expensive for me and time was also an issue. I can't say it brought back all my knowledge before but at least it was refreshed. At least this is a start. 

My most awaited moment...

I can't wait to print this certificate! =)

I don't know if the facilitators could read this but I just want to say thanks.

Wo de lao shi, Estella, thank you for your hard work in spreading and teaching the beautiful Mandarin language to the world. I hope to personally meet you or even Skype-ing will do (I hope you'd choose me for the Tutoring thru Skype) someday and stay as sweet as chocolate. *hearts*

To Boan, thank you for constantly replying to our posts, comments and private message on Facebook.

To Xintong, thank you for grading my peer assessment videos. I still have two peer assessment videos to complete, Lessons 5 and 6. =)

I have a suggestion though. Please let us construct sentences but don't let this be a part of our grades. It's like the same with the peer assessment videos. =) I can't wait for the next MandarinX course on edX next year and I hope you won't stop offering Mandarin courses in edX.Org.


Lovelots,
Jen

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