Law Schools Embrace MOOCs

National Law Journal, Massive, Free Online Classes Catch on With Law Schools:

Massive open online courses—or MOOCs—are all the rage in higher education. But law schools are only starting to test the waters with these free, Internet-based classes that can reach thousands of students around the globe.

Three law schools and universities will offer law-related MOOCs this fall for the first time, and Harvard plans to again offer an online copyright course it debuted last year. Northwestern, John Marshall and North Carolina are among those joining the MOOC movement, although participants won’t earn credits for the classes just yet.

Legal educators have good reason to begin experimenting with online teaching formats. The ABA's Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar is contemplating increasing the number of credits that law students can take via distance education, in a bid to spur innovation and help lower costs.

• Dan Rodriguez (Dean, Northwestern), Northwestern Law MOOC Debuts