I see there are MIT OCW subjects. What are some of the benefits of taking these courses? They offer no certification or credit, so is enrolling in an MIT open course then collaborating on OpenStudy become something amazingly productive and beneficial to all in more ways then one? I am asking this because I am researching educational alternatives and would like to promote that.

Question

wach · Answer

While uncredited courses like the OCW ones seem useless to some, they do come in handy; in life, you're consistently tested with your choices, and backed up only with your experience and knowledge. 
From what I'm aware of, the OCW courses and Open Study are linked, as to provide OCW students with a more 'real' learning environment via interaction with other students. And in most cases, it simulates the 'real' environment sufficiently. 
Additionally, you can take tests via Collegeboard and other companies to receive some credit based on your knowledge in a subject, and many people take the OCW course and then a test proving their knowledge. And then .. voila! Credits.

shadowfiend · Answer

“They offer no certification or credit.” There's work being done in this domain. Stay tuned.