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The Linux Foundation and edX Team Up for Intoduction to Linux Class

Posted by samzenpus on from the from-the-man-himself dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The Linux Foundation has teamed up with MOOC provider edX to teach an introduction to Linux class. Quoting the course description: 'This course explores the various tools and techniques commonly used by Linux programmers, system administrators and end users to achieve their day-to-day work in a Linux environment. It is designed for experienced computer users who have limited or no previous exposure to Linux, whether they are working in an individual or Enterprise environment.' The course begins on August 1st. In addition to the free version of the course, a verified track is available for students who want a credential with more weight (for a nominal price)." Update: As many have pointed out Linus just did an intro for the class. Headline corrected accordingly.

13 of 74 comments (clear)

  1. Can't Wait! by Freshly+Exhumed · · Score: 5, Funny

    The "Talking To Nvidia" lesson oughtta be great!

    --
    I deny that I have not avoided attaining the opposite of that which I do not want.
    1. Re:Can't Wait! by NotInHere · · Score: 2

      Or the "adding a printer without privs" lesson.

  2. Repeat after me: by BenSchuarmer · · Score: 3, Funny

    lee noox

  3. Not so fast... by Cruciform · · Score: 5, Informative

    Linus gave an intro speech for the course. That doesn't mean he's going to be teaching it.
    The course staffer is Jerry Cooperstein.

    1. Re:Not so fast... by blue+trane · · Score: 3, Informative

      MOOCs are free. There's the "verified" option that costs a nominal fee, but you don't have to choose it.

  4. Re:Oh, Computers! You so crazy! by wulper · · Score: 5, Funny

    well, maybe he wants to do such a course. OR maybe the LinuxFoundation needs money and thought a course taught by some celebrity will provide more of it. whatever, I think it's cool. ..but I'd rather have Bill Gates explaining how to set up an home network on Windows 95. Just for my private, perverse enjoyment.

  5. Creator != Teacher by AceJohnny · · Score: 2

    Being a good teacher requires a particular set of skills I'm not sure Linus has, such as talking nice to idiots. (I kid! Treating (by definition ignorant) students like idiots is a fatal mistake). But seriously, being an expert in a field doesn't make you a good teacher, see: almost any college professor..

    While this course will definitely get some name-brand recognition, I doubt it'll be better than a myriad other courses that exist already.

    --
    Misleading titles? Inflammatory blurbs? Keep in mind that Slashdot is a tabloid.
  6. Um... by Charliemopps · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If, while I was busy trying to figure out the latest package dependency hell I was in, I also wanted some asshole yelling "YOUR A FUCKING MORON! WHEN YOU GROW 2 BRAIN CELLS MAYBE YOU COULD FIGURE THIS OUT" over and over again, I think I could find someone cheaper than Linus Torvalds.

    1. Re:Um... by c0d3g33k · · Score: 4, Funny

      Indeed. You could probably find plenty of volunteers right on this site. In fact, I'll go first and point out that Linus never uses ALL CAPS to repeatedly berate someone. He wields his derision as a surgeon wields a scalpel, using proper english and punctuation and rarely if ever repeats himself.

      Stupid git. :-)

  7. You know what they say by Tablizer · · Score: 2

    Those who can't do, teach.....oh, wait

    --
    Table-ized A.I.
  8. Mod parent up by Prien715 · · Score: 2

    No mod points today, but parent is spot-on.

    Linus is quite polite until you prove yourself an idiot -- then not so much. He didn't build a community of thousands of contributers by spewing insults at anyone and everyone.

    --
    -- Political fascism requires a Fuhrer.
  9. NOT taught by Linus? by morethanapapercert · · Score: 4, Informative
    Linus Torvalds appears to be endorsing this course, which is created by the Linux Foundation. He has a brief into clip on the course page, but in the section for course staff it only lists Jerry Cooperstein Phd who is also the Training Program Director for the Linux Foundation.

    To me this seems like Linus approves of, even endorses this course, but that it is being taught by Dr. Cooperstein. I'll readily concede that the technical value of the course probably isn't hurt by this, but anyone looking to take this course for the chance to interact in any way with Mr. Torvalds is probably going to be disappointed.

    --
    I need a wheelchair van for my son. Help me get the word out. https://www.gofundme.com/wheelchair-van-for-jj
  10. My first day in the classroom by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    LT: You **** *****, this is the biggest pile of **** **** I've ever **** seen in my entire **** life! What ***** **** did you **** ****....

    Me: Wait a minute sir, I'm here to learn Linux.

    LT: Oh sorry, that's down the hall to your right. This is kernel code review.