Coursera courses are supposed to be college courses. College courses are a lot of work, and you have to get your reading and assignments done on time. This should not come as a surprise.
CodeAcademy (also wonderful) is a completely different animal. It is not comparable to Coursera.
What you're calling a bug (aka "dirty secret") of Coursera is actually a huge feature: that we can all, whatever our goals or our budget, sign up and check it out. Quite unlike an class at MIT or Duke, which is only available to a pre-selected few.
In short, the MOOCs, and specifically Coursera, are awesome. We are so lucky to have this opportunity. Quit yer bellyachin'.
CodeAcademy (also wonderful) is a completely different animal. It is not comparable to Coursera.
What you're calling a bug (aka "dirty secret") of Coursera is actually a huge feature: that we can all, whatever our goals or our budget, sign up and check it out. Quite unlike an class at MIT or Duke, which is only available to a pre-selected few.
In short, the MOOCs, and specifically Coursera, are awesome. We are so lucky to have this opportunity. Quit yer bellyachin'.