MOOCing

Is there anything the Internet can't do? 

I've just discovered Massive Online (Something or other) Courses, courses where thousands of people from around the world can sign up, log in, and learn something college-like, often for free.  I'm using one for professional development.  It's just like college, only in this case, it's free.  I even get a certificate of completion.  Right now I'm studying teaching argumentation to English language learners, something I will use whether I tutor or teach.  The course comes through Stanford University (yes, that Stanford) and Oregon State, and in return they get information to improve their teaching courses.  Seriously, the concept is pretty awesome. 

Of course, MOOCing leaves me with four to eight fewer hours per week, as well as one day that I can't substitute because I'm in the classroom observing or practicing my teaching, so life has been a little crazier than usual, but I'm also making contacts online and in the school district which I wouldn't have made without it.  And I've coined a new term.