MOOCs

EdX Launches Course Collection To Combat Summer Slide

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 06/15/15

EdX has partnered with the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) to launch a collection of free courses designed to help combat summer slide.

As part of the effort, "edX will offer more than 60 courses from top institutions in core subjects such as math, science and language as well as skills-based courses in software development, computer science and innovation — ideal for career-minded high schoolers, college-age students and working professionals," according to a news release. "In addition, select courses will be offered to help high school students with their AP exams and college admissions efforts."

Examples of courses being offered include:

• MyCS: Computer Science for Beginners;
• Pre-University Calculus;
• On-Ramp to AP Physics C: Mechanics;
• Preparing for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam;
• Programming in Scratch; and
• Introduction to Psychology.

"The summer slide is a very real challenge faced by many American students, and it can be detrimental to their overall educational development," said Anant Agarwal, CEO of edX, in a prepared statement. "Online learning, because it offers free and openly available tools and resources, enables motivated students to combat this challenge head-on. By offering a full array of courses, available to anyone, anytime, we are hopeful that we can provide continual learning opportunities and curb the regression of academic ability that often occurs over these pivotal months."

A full list of the courses is available at edx.org.