In the Universitys effort to keep education accessible, administrators are focusing their efforts on an up-and-coming forum, online education.

And now, they are exploring a new way to put course content online for free.

Carol Tresolini, vice provost for academic initiatives, said the University is considering a partnership with Coursera, a massive open online course (MOOC) provider.

MOOC providers offer free courses from some of the nations top universities to anyone with access to a computer.

Provost Bruce Carney will present a short summary about the strengths and weaknesses of online education and online course providers such as Coursera to the Board of Trustees on Nov. 14.

Rob Bruce, director of UNCs William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education, said the most important element of online education is access.

Im thinking of (former UNC-system President) Bill Friday, and he constantly advocated for access, and access to education distance education really can bring that about, Bruce said.

The Friday Center offers about 138 courses, which reach about 4,000 students worldwide each year.

Leslie Parise, a member of UNCs faculty executive committee, said online education is unique because it reaches students who would not otherwise be able to receive an on-campus education.

I believe evolving technology will drive change whether it is initially embraced or not.

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UNC administrators explore online course options