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The article profiles Mitchell Duneier, a former professor of massive open online courses (MOOCs), who has rescinded his support for the teaching method over concern that the popularity of MOOCs may lead legislators to reduce the budgets of state universities. It examines how Duneier's decision reflects the possible lack of sustainability of MOOC providers and the institutions who use them, as well as how Duneier designed his online courses.

The article discusses U.S. colleges such as Amherst College in Massachusetts that are opting not to join massive open online course (MOOC) services such as the nonprofit company edX, which also offer online college course curriculum planning materials. The cost of online course development, the aims of higher education in the U.S., and venture capital for MOOC services are discussed, as well as the attitudes of Amherst faculty to MOOCs.

The article presents online responses to an article posted on the issue's website about college curriculum development for a divinities class, and mentions issues such as class enrollment, students' course selection, and professors' reputations with students.

The article discusses professors from Baylor University who participated in the Baylor Fellows program in 2011, which was designed to encourage professors to teach their students critical thinking skills. The professors taught subjects such as managerial accounting, film direction, economics, and sociology, and brief vignettes on their teaching methods are presented. Curriculum planning, group projects, and student assessments are discussed in terms of encouraging student thinking. Teacher collaboration, class presentations, and creative thinking skills are also mentioned. The fellowship program is based on the book "The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking," co-written by Michael Starbird and the author.