I have often referred to edX as the Linux for learning. And last week, The Linux Foundation became one of our first non-university members to offer courses on edX. Linux joined us as part of a new membership structure aimed at giving our two million students from around the world a broader array of courses to choose from.
And our students have responded. In just 24 hours, 2,500 students have enrolled in the first Linux course, LFS101x: Introduction to Linux. Clearly, people around the world want to understand Linux and seek to tap into its massive community to advance their careers and their understanding of how today’s technology is built. The fact that Linux is now offering its basic Linux class as a free MOOC — normally costing $2400 — to our learners is a wonderful opportunity, and we know that there will be continued interest in this course and others the Linux Foundation will offer on edX.org.
The demand for Linux professionals far outstrips the supply. By offering this course on edX, the Linux Foundation is working to bridge a critical skills gap. We’ve heard from our students that they want courses that help improve their employment options — this basic Linux training will give them just what they need. Linux and edX share a mission: to improve access to education around the world through our open source technology. We are honored that the Linux Foundation, an open source pioneer, has selected edX to collaborate with them to train the next generation of Linux professionals.
Anant Agarwal, edX president.
