A new kind of course is launching at Michigan State University, new both in content and context.
The Foundations of Science is a MOOC, that is, a massive open online course. It's completely online with no location requirements and it's free to both the general public and students alike.
"People from this area are hungry for this type of experience," says developer and founder Dr. Stephen Thomas. "People are trying to figure out how they can broaden their exposure to different educational experiences." Foundations of Science promises to help participants think, see, speak, and act like a scientist, all within exploration of distinguishing science from pseudo science.
"The course will help a diversity of folks develop critical thinking skills," explains Thomas. Students will study the differences between astrology and astronomy, witches and cognitive bias; explore psychics, homeopathy, and ghosts; and will use modules in biology, physics, chemistry, and psychology to evaluate many of scientific myths we're so familiar with.
Registration is currently open and operates on a rolling basis, so students can join at any time. Thomas is optimistic that the blending of both formal and informal education methods will help engage participants, allowing them to truly get something out of the course, leaving them with a positive emotional connection to the topics.
Source: Stephen Thomas, Foundations of Science
Writer: Veronica Gracia-Wing, Innovation News
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