The Obama administration is currently drafting plans that would fund the creation and implementation of free online classes at the high school and college level.

Inside Higher Ed reports:

"According to the draft materials from the administration, the program would support the development of 20-25 'high quality' courses a year, with a mix of high school and community college courses. Initial preference would go to "career oriented" courses. The courses would be owned by the government and would be free for anyone to take. Courses would be selected competitively, through peer review, for support."

Proponents of the idea believe that government funded online courses could help citizens develop job skills and become more employable. Critics, however, contend that free online classes are already available in the private marketplace and that tax dollars should not be spent on this venture.

See Also:

• Explore Free Online Classes
• How to Earn College Credit by Taking a Free Online Class