MOOC’s opener voor Iran
De leiding van de MOOC-verschaffer geeft een update van de stand van zaken van de onderhandelingen en openheid van de cursussen wereldwijd. “Earlier this year, we had to restrict access to our courses for certain countries, in compliance with US export control regulations. We have appreciated the outpouring of empathy from our community of learners, as well as the support from the broader public as this issue has gained attention in the global forum.”
“Since then, we’ve been working closely with governing authorities to navigate licenses and permissions, and today we’re happy to report that Iranian learners will now regain access to the majority of Coursera’s courses. At our last estimate, we’ve seen more than 20,000 visitors from Iran take part in our courses, so we’re glad to open our (digital) doors again to these learners, and hopefully many more!”
Cuba ook nog dicht
Bèta-techniek MOOC’s blijven nog steeds onder een sanctieregime vallen. Vanuit Syrië mag elke deelnemer inmiddels weer participeren bij Coursera en de toegankelijkheid voor studenten uit Soedan en Cuba is onderwerp van onderhandeling met de Amerikaanse overheid.
“Sanctions still prohibit educational institutions and organizations from offering certain subjects, including those in advanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). To comply, we have identified those specific courses and will be blocking enrollment to learners coming from Iranian IP addresses. Regarding our progress in other regions, Syrian students have already regained access to Coursera courses, and we will continue to work with lawmakers and relevant parties to push for access in Cuba and Sudan.”
