Question

how can i earn a certificate in this course? would it be as valid as i would get in a real college

Answer 1

If you apply yourself and master all of the information in this course, you'll have the knowledge you would have attained by taking the course at MIT. There is, however, no certificate or credit associated with studying a course through MIT OCW. If you want the degree and "validity" of taking college courses, you'll need to actually go to school. If you want to learn the material and acquire knowledge, MIT OCW is perfect because you can learn a ton, totally free.

Answer 2

edX currently has a course called 8.01x, sponsored by MIT, in which you can watch videos on a schedule and complete regimented homework assignments (as well as required readings and exams). The course is not as rigorous as the material you'll see on OCW, and certainly not as much as you'd see in the actual class at MIT, but it is structured and good for someone who has trouble with self-motivated learning (not to mention, it's free). Completion of the course will result in your receiving a certificate, but the value of the certificate is completely subject to whomever you're trying to impress. It's not something that employers or other colleges really care about, so it's more about pride at this point.