By providing free access to anyone with an Internet connection, MOOCs facilitate the dissemination of knowledge to unprecedented numbers of people.

FORBES: MOOCs: A College Education Online?

Compton-Rock is talking about access to free public education, food, knowledge and social mobility -- elusive things for South Africa's impoverished and particularly so for the country's AIDS orphans.

CNN: Behind the Scenes: Inner city kids travel to South Africa

Compton-Rock is talking about access to free public education, food, knowledge and social mobility -- elusive things for South Africa's impoverished and particularly so for 1.4 million AIDS orphans there.

CNN: Behind the Scenes: Out of Bushwick

The foundation would also like to see improved access to free English language lessons so migrant workers can improve their knowledge of their rights and ask for help, and easier access to legal redress and compensation.

BBC: 'Forced labour' of migrants in UK food industry

"We hope to support millions of teachers around the world in expanding their skills, networks and knowledge, by opening up access to some of the best resources out there, free of cost, " said co-founder Daphne Koller.

BBC: Online universities launching courses for teachers