We have free coursera at work. But I really hate it because it enforces random deadlines on you. Even though the courses are completely prerecorded and absolutely don't need any kind of deadlines. I just want to study at my own pace.

I also hate all the gamification.

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bluGill 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Many people need deadlines or their own pace ends up being never.

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charamis 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Then have that as a feature, don’t force it

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bluGill 2 hours ago | parent [-]

If they don't force it people won't complete the course. While that at first sounds good - they collect money - long term people who complete courses are your best marketing as they tell others and so completion is importation and thus the deadlines.

Though how much force is best is subject to debate.

	▲	laserlight an hour ago \| parent [-]
		> long term people who complete courses are your best marketing as they tell others and so completion is importation and thus the deadlines I don't see why completing courses is a customer satisfaction criterion. I've had many courses that I didn't complete, yet I was quite satisfied with the content and could recommend it to friends.