This week we learned about an online learning topic that was entirely new to me: MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). Initially, I thought that MOOCs were just another word for distance learning or a different form of online certification (such as taking an online boating license or getting a Pro-Serve liquor license). However, after reading some research such as “The History of MOOCs” and viewing pictures such as the one on the left, I realized that MOOCs are different from the above descriptions because online courses and distance learning both usually entail certain distinctions such as:
1) Paying a fee to take the course or receive the certification
2) Sometimes starting the course at whatever start/ end point the learner decides
3) Completing assignments or taking tests for the sake of a final end grade
4) One fairly straight-forward way of completing the course to get to the end goal
5) Completing individual assignments without peer interaction with other participants.
I found this awesome video called “What is a MOOC?” which really helped me to clarify exactly HOW a MOOC course is different from the ones listed above.
1) Paying a fee to take the course or receive the certification
2) Sometimes starting the course at whatever start/ end point the learner decides
3) Completing assignments or taking tests for the sake of a final end grade
4) One fairly straight-forward way of completing the course to get to the end goal
5) Completing individual assignments without peer interaction with other participants.
I found this awesome video called “What is a MOOC?” which really helped me to clarify exactly HOW a MOOC course is different from the ones listed above.
I realized that MOOCs differ from traditional distance learning classes because a MOOC often resolves around one’s own motivation to participate in the course instead of working towards a final grade or credit. I think that this video did a very good job of defining MOOCs by defining it as a course that is open, participatory, distributed, and then it supports life-long networked learning. I also like how the video describes it as an event rather than a course because it is more like a gathering of people with similar interests who are meeting at the same time to discuss a topic in a structured way. I also like how this video gives the perspective of how there isn’t necessarily ONE right way to complete a MOOC because everyone makes different connections, find different resources, and has different opinions on the topics. It also stresses that these differences ultimately create opportunities for individual connections and brings forth a deeper understanding of the topic - all while promoting life-long learning! I also like how the idea behind MOOCs is driven by self-motivation to want to learn, and typically doesn’t have a standardized measure of success at the end. I appreciate how the video stresses that by the end of the course YOU decide if the course was successful to your own learning, not someone else.
I see the potential significance of MOOC courses because it is an entirely new way of looking at education. The idea of giving people FREE education from potentially famous experts in that field or area is a very exciting opportunity to expand one’s knowledge. It will be interesting to see if this is a possibility of how universities could expand their courses to more people and therefore make a higher education more attainable to everyone regardless of their financial background. I also see how this technology could be very helpful to teachers regarding areas of their own professional development. For example, while researching about MOOCs I found one that sparked my interest that was called “Surviving your Rookie Year of Teaching”. Obviously as a pre-service teacher I realize the merit that a voluntary course like this would add to my resume under my PD efforts, and I plan to keep an eye out for when this course will be offered again at a time that is more suitable with my schedule. This brings me to my next point: there are a few downfalls with the MOOC system of teaching. Some sources had pointed out that people signed up for courses simply just to check them out, or that many people don’t end up fully completing their courses. One thing that I find challenging is that most of these courses DO have a start and end date, and cannot be taken at any significant time for the learner (due to obvious reasons of needing a group of participants who can interact with each other). Also, the article “The Dynamics of Open, Peer-to-Peer Learning” highlights some struggles that MOOCs have when it comes to getting participants to engage in online forums and to actively comment on posts regularly instead of just being passive learners.
Overall, it is very exciting to know that there may be opportunities to take any course that you could ever dream of for free online, and I think that it will be interesting to see where the future of MOOCs will head next!
I see the potential significance of MOOC courses because it is an entirely new way of looking at education. The idea of giving people FREE education from potentially famous experts in that field or area is a very exciting opportunity to expand one’s knowledge. It will be interesting to see if this is a possibility of how universities could expand their courses to more people and therefore make a higher education more attainable to everyone regardless of their financial background. I also see how this technology could be very helpful to teachers regarding areas of their own professional development. For example, while researching about MOOCs I found one that sparked my interest that was called “Surviving your Rookie Year of Teaching”. Obviously as a pre-service teacher I realize the merit that a voluntary course like this would add to my resume under my PD efforts, and I plan to keep an eye out for when this course will be offered again at a time that is more suitable with my schedule. This brings me to my next point: there are a few downfalls with the MOOC system of teaching. Some sources had pointed out that people signed up for courses simply just to check them out, or that many people don’t end up fully completing their courses. One thing that I find challenging is that most of these courses DO have a start and end date, and cannot be taken at any significant time for the learner (due to obvious reasons of needing a group of participants who can interact with each other). Also, the article “The Dynamics of Open, Peer-to-Peer Learning” highlights some struggles that MOOCs have when it comes to getting participants to engage in online forums and to actively comment on posts regularly instead of just being passive learners.
Overall, it is very exciting to know that there may be opportunities to take any course that you could ever dream of for free online, and I think that it will be interesting to see where the future of MOOCs will head next!