http://www.economist.com/news/business/21582001-army-new-online-courses-scaring-wits-out-traditional-universities-can-they

As the advancement of technology progresses, we are able to do almost anything with the internet. We can video chat with someone a million miles away, purchase clothes to be delivered, even take an online course in the comfort of our own home. With that being said, anyone with a laptop has the ability to take courses online for cheaper or even free. Such education can be taken for free through MOOCs.

An example of an MOOC provider is Edx, a non-profit institution that began in May 2012 by Harvard University and MIT. Although this is much to our advantage, it has taken a toll on the business of traditional universities. 

As stated in the later paragraphs, although the education itself on MOOC may be free, providers are charging for other revenues including certificates of completion. The widespread of MOOC has reached out to many different companies and has already formed several partnerships.

The structure of this article begins with a broad topic of the MOOCs and provides example of these in it’s body paragraphs while addressing the main topic. Just as the article in “Obama harms the press”, this author also uses words such as “Certainly...” in order to convey his opinions and provide analysis. He also uses words such as “in contrast” to address both sides of the situation. In the second part of the article, it has another title, “This lecture is brought to you by…” and gives several different point of views (Mr Feerick, Alison, Rob Lyte) on the future of online. 

While the system seems to be improving, there is still much experimentation being done. Therefore, MOOCs may seem great at the moment, with the changes and hidden charges, I would rather stick to a more reliable traditional university rather than taking a risk.