Rather than trying to fit MOOCs into the current paradigm, society may just grow to embrace more ambiguity in education. Traditionally, it was very linear -- elementary --> secondary --> college --> graduate, and at some point you jump into the working world. Now, you still jump to the working world, but continue flexibly on a variety of educational goals, with or without accreditation, and with courses of varying quality. But people care more about what you can accomplish that what papers you hold.

Some people will still choose the traditional 4 year college degree and the cycle of deconstruction, analysis and reconstruction that it teaches, while others will forego that for a more pragmatic approach of MOOCs and the working world. Either way should be accepted.