MOOCs
I have been exploring MOOCs - which offers an even more dynamic, non-linear means for online and blended learning. Large universities such as MIT and Harvard have been using them. Here are some resources:
MOOCs: a massive opportunity for higher education, or digital hype? - http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2012/aug/08/mooc-coursera-higher-education-investment
MOOCs, Learning Points - http://www.elearnspace.org/blog/2012/08/26/moocs-learning-points/
How do others see them fitting into the models that were discussed in this unit?
Jaclyn,
What have you discovered as the application of MOOCs in education?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It has the potential to be a game changer! Did you review the resources about their use by Harvard and MIT - opens courses up to folks who may have not had opportunities to take courses from prestigious universities.
Jaclyn,
I agree that MOOCs are really interesting. I think they will change the face of education. I heard an interview with a Stanford professor who was teaching the same class to 200 students on campus and tens of thousands online as a free MOOC. By the third week, 80% of the in-class students chose to interact via the web. They liked that they could go at their own pace (rewind, fast forward) and explore the topics that interested them through discussions with classmates all over the world.
Regarding MOOCs, the biggest challenge thus far is universities accepting transfer credit for MOOC students who complete a course outside that universities MOOC consortium. The latest research from the MIT/Harvard/Berkley MOOC consortium (www.edx.org)reflects a high non-completion rate (>80%), with only 7% successfully completing a MOOC by earning their certificate.
Without question, MOOCs are changing the HE landscape, but the extent of that change is yet to be determined.
I’ve been researching MOOCs and they do have potential but there are hurdles. As previously mentioned you have the issue of retention and credit transfer. Few universities presently award credit for the completion of a MOOC delivered course; however, I do see that changing. If an instructor teaches an accredited course on the ground there is really no reason it would not be accredited online.
I do like the way they are using MeetUp to localize a very global platform which creates local student groups for students. The scale of the MOOC and the reputation of the content is what allows that to happen. It’s much better than mundane discussion board posts (in my opinion of course).
The real issue is the MOOCs themselves. How will they stay alive when everything is provided for free? The classes are converted to online delivery at no cost to the instructor or college. Recently one of the MOOC companies started to get involved with career placement. This is a HUGE issue for all universities with low job placement rates the status quo. But is a MOOC an LMS, a course development partner or a career services extension?
Claire,
Yes, there are still issues of providing credits for students who are not officially registered at a school etc. I agree that these kinds of challenges are solved as we become more used to the reasons why students make these choices and work to accomodate those. This speaks to the "customization" of the technology. Good points!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
And then there is khanacademy.org
I am using this resource to brush up on topics I'd like to know more about but I also use this resource to supplement the traditional education that my 8 year old daughter is enrolled in. She loves learning through watching videos and interactive content. Because of the non-linear presentation of content she can even access and absorb college level learning material. The traditional classroom setting has its purpose for social development but in many ways it is outdated.
I am all for open course content.
I've only recently discovered these wonderful opportunities (which are really providing me one more distraction from completing my dissertation).
There are some great courses out there that would offer additional insights into topics that I only touch on in some of my courses. I have considered referring my students to specific MOOCs to supplement and enhance their learning, but wonder if there might be conflict of interest in referring students to other institutions for free learning.
Has anyone else looked into doing that?
MOOCs are a very interesting development in higher education and, in general, are definitely a massive opportunity. Having said that, there certainly are issues to be resolved regarding credit transfer and remuneration for the instructor, among other things.
David,
Yes, it will be interesting to see what happens there, however, it has potentially done the same thing to academics as free access to music files did to the music industry :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Khan Academy is a GREAT resource. My grandson was having trouble with Algebra and I referred him to it. He now uses it regularly to supplement his in-class studies.
I really see the future as students becoming more self-directed with instructors communicating where the students need to be at certain points, but how they get there is up to the individual. Talk about taking Gardner's Multiple Intelligences concept and making it real!
One of the advantages I see to MOOCs is that through the use of technology, it not only facilitates the dynamic and scaffolding components we discussed, but it also allows the students to more easily identify and research specific issues that are of particular interest to the individual student. One example that comes to mind is computer programing and cyber security.
Luke,
It certainly builds on the "public space" of ideas and communication. I wrote an article on that:
http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/04/25/ideas-and-the-public-space.aspx
Dr. Ruth Reynard
David,
I recently began a graduate degree that offered online classes. I was hesitant about taking online classes and did my best to avoid them. When I was brave enough to give one a try five years ago, I became hooked. It is wonderful to rewind lectures to go over parts that are confusing. To work when I am feeling fresh rather than frazzled and to accommodate the ever-changing schedule of the single parent.
I do have concerns about the free part and wonder how it will affect higher education and how it will be sustained for long periods of time.
Just recently I actually enrolled in a MOOC which addresses the 'customization' facet. The course afforded the opportunity in advanced data analytics for healthcare. While not officially registered with the school, registration was required for enrollment. Free CEUs were offered by completing within a specified timeframe. Credit is offered as fee-based which can be used when transferring to other institutions.
MOOCs is beginning to transform the traditional academic world for sure. I believe the growth in MOOCs will continue to skyrocket!
Donna,
Yes, it is. Here is an article I wrote on ideas and the public space which is the foundational concept of MOOCS: http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/04/25/ideas-and-the-public-space.aspx
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I have utilized MOOCs for my own professional development. I personally love the opportunity to have access to some of the best educational institutions for free! However, in the courses I took a lot of your grade is based on feedback from other students.
I'm not sure there is a specific "conflict of interest" but there appears to be a distraction from regular coursework and its not really great for retention when the students can get "the same" information from a "better" source for free. At the undergraduate level, some of my older students really just want information and couldn't care less about the degree itself. Some of the younger ones need the piece of paper and the initials, but I think it would help the ones you can't possibly sink, no matter what you do- we all have some of those- but I think it would distract the lower performing, less engaged students by directing them to a MOOC.
Pure speculation on my part. I like them for grad school supplementation though. :)
I am an author and create content/training materials. Why would a content expert give away intellectual property? I have found our content pirated on numerous MOOC websites and it always ends the same. They deny or ignore our claim, receive a letter from our attorneys, then remove the offending content. Does anyone else feel that directing students to MOOCs who fail to honor copyrights, presents an ethical challenge?
