World Computer Exchange is a non-profit organisation that dedicates itself to expanding access to higher education to some of the world’s poorest countries. President Timothy Anderson said:  “We’re trying to go into developing countries that [the university] might not have a lot of students in now.”

The organisation was founded in 2009 and currently has 500 students in 100 countries around the world. According to Mr. Anderson, the next targets for the organisation are Zimbabwe, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Liberia and Palestine. Quite a list and one that clearly demonstrates their aim to help some of the world’s most disadvantaged students.

The plan involves setting up communication centres with twenty internet-accessible computers at each location. They also hope to work with local universities to allow students to use their facilities.

Tied to organisations in seventy-one countries, World Computer Exchange sees the University of the People as a natural progression of what they want to achieve. “This is exactly why we’ve been working with these computers, planting them like Johnny Appleseed, all over the world,” said Mr. Anderson. Adding, “this is a great way to get to university level”.

The University of the People (UoPeople) partnered with the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNDESA-GAID) opened on September 10th with 178 registered students from 49 countries worldwide. UoPeople currently offers programmes in Business Administration, Computer, Science and General Studies. The unique feature of UoPeople’s qualifications, is not  that they are offered completely online,  nor is it that the majority of the teaching staff are unpaid volunteers but it is that the university have, as the fees page of their website states ‘decided to waive all fees for our applicants at this stage’.

Although UoPeople reserve the right to introduce tuition fees at a later stage this is a fantastic breakthrough for underprivileged people who have not previously been given the opportunity to go to university or study beyond school level. The University of the People press release states:

“Currently, students may attend UoPeople, a non-profit organisation, entirely free of charge. As the University expands, the sustainability model requires that nominal admission and examination processing fees ($15-$50 and $10-$100 respectively) will be levied to cover operating expenses. These fees will be adjusted on a sliding scale based on the economic situation in the student’s country of residency. Students will never be charged for applying, taking classes or accessing study materials.”

The response on the comments section following The Guardian’s coverage of this story has been in the most part positive. A commenter going by the name ‘midlifecrisis’ said:

“Great idea, and about time! There are millions of retired people who are living longer and who have amazing skills and experience who are willing to help others get an education.

The global increase in online social learning appears to be picking up speed. Languages are being practised with the help of ex-teachers and native or fluent speakers for free, for friendship or for pocket money via sites like Italki.com and Wiziq.com with millions of users benefitting. So why shouldn’t there be a free online university that achieves its aims and those of its students?”

However another Guardian reader dismissed the idea of a free online university,  branding UoPeople “no more a ‘university’ than wikipedia”.

Enrollment for term two at the University of the People is currently , beginning November 19th is now open. Click here to reply.

What do you think? Is UoPeople opening  doors for underprivileged and undereducated people or do you find their position in the academic realm questionable? whatever your view we would love to hear your thoughts on this so please leave a comment.