In 2012 Sharon Watkins was watching a Ted talk when she came across the concept of Moocs – massive open online courses. She was so impressed by the prospect of elite education being delivered for free to the masses, that she decided to set up a Mooc cohort where she works in Springfield, Ohio.
Ms Watkins is studying for a doctorate in education administration, and has worked with Springfield City School district to establish a learning café – an innovative programme that involves families in education.
She saw Moocs as an opportunity to target motivated learners of any age regardless of ability, academic history or economic background.