Free tertiary courses are not meant to replace degree-granting or for-credit courses. It only provides the content that supports education. Without a degree from free academic sites, students cannot receive accreditation from an institution. The lack of a registration or enrollment process makes it impossible to transfer credit or advanced standing at various colleges. Applicants are unable to cite their academic experiences on their resume when seeking employment.
In a regular course, students have full interaction with the faculty or administration. The only source of feedback in many online learning communities is a quick, 5- to 10-minute survey that focuses on the user's experience. Learners cannot facilitate or engage in forum discussions, email professors or attend office hours. Feedback, according to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, "adds depth and insight to the discussion already provided by the student, and affords the instructor the opportunity" to highlight key points.
Free tertiary education can be accessed from anywhere online throughout the year. Self-learners can obtain material in the order and pace that suits them and aligns to their work-life balance. Scholars can take a more laid-back approach to their studies and acquire knowledge for the sake of learning. There are no added pressures associated with grading and test-taking procedures.
There is great variation in the depth and breadth of content presented in tertiary learning sites. Faculty and instructors publish as much content as they are comfortable with, which may include course syllabi, assignments, resources and online links. The material is often available in a variety of digital formats for the learners' convenience. Students can create their own curriculum based on the site's current offerings.