The outcomes
presented in this module prompted me to look into additional resources on
innovative technologies in education. I
came across a website that introduced me to the concept of the Massive Open
Online Course, or MOOC. When
I first read this acronym, I thought it sounded like a childhood synonym for
chocolate milk. Clearly I need to roam other
pastures of educational technology beyond the prairies of Alberta, on which I
live.
A MOOC is an online
learning model that is open to any number of students from all over the world wishing
to take a course, free of charge. The instructor is virtually non-existent as
students are encouraged to network with, teach, and mark each others’ work (Baggaley, 2013, p. 368).
MOOCs
draw from the theory of connectivism. Similar to other higher
education distance learning models, MOOCs have a syllabus, readings,assignments, microlectures, exams, and discussions where participants can interact and collaborate. MOOCs
can be offered independently through course designers like Coursera, edX, and Udacity, or generated by the students enrolled in the course (Baggaley, 2013, p. 1). These online courses may or may not offer certificates
or credits to participants upon completion.
As
with any delivery model in education, there are pros and cons and those who wish to sit on the proverbial fence. On the upside, MOOCs offer people an
affordable, convenient, and dynamic learning environment where large amounts of
information can be shared and add value to other levels and delivery models
within education. On the downside, MOOCs are a costly investment and may not be suitable for students who need/expect attentive student-instructor partnerships.
There are a
number of MOOCs that have sprung from Canadian soil and could benefit students
and teachers right here, in my own back yard.
For example, an introductory psychology class offered by the University
of Toronto via Coursera could be used in part as an
instructional vehicle for various high school psychology electives offered in
my school district. Udderly speaking, MOOCs
“may be hailed as an educational redeemer, or as an ugly symptom of the general educational slide" (Baggaley, 2013, p. 374). Students and teachers may just have to milk
the cow to find out for themselves.
REFERENCES:
Briggs, S. (2013, July 29). 10 Emerging educational
technologies & how they are being used around the globe. Retrieved from http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2013/07/29/10-emerging-educational-technologies-how-they-are-being-used-across-the-globe/
Educause (2011). ELI: 7 things you should know about
MOOCs. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7078.pdf
MOOC-List (n.d.). Introduction
to psychology (Coursera). Retrieved
from http://www.mooc-list.com/course/introduction-psychology-coursera
Baggaley,
J. (2013). MOOC rampant. Distance
Education, 34(3), 368–378. doi:10.1080/01587919.2013.835768
Briggs, S. (2013, July 29). 10 Emerging educational
technologies & how they are being used around the globe. Retrieved from http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2013/07/29/10-emerging-educational-technologies-how-they-are-being-used-across-the-globe/
Educause (2011). ELI: 7 things you should know about
MOOCs. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7078.pdf
Educause
(2013). ELI: 7 things you should know about MOOCs II. Retrieved from
https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7097.pdf
Educause
(2014). Massive open online course (MOOC). Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/library/massive-open-online-course-mooc
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012a). Educational
technology defined. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012b). Millenial
and neomillenial learning styles. Baltimore, MD: Author.
MOOC-List (n.d.). Introduction
to psychology (Coursera). Retrieved
from http://www.mooc-list.com/course/introduction-psychology-coursera
Plourde,
M. (2013). MOOC poster. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mathplourde/8620174342/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Siemans, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the
digital age. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
Your entire article was just great, but I absolutely loved your title!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Eve,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have looked at MOOCs and watched carefully as they have burst onto the education scene. The idea of free education is enticing and learning from an expert (which your current teacher may not be) is even better. How do we maintain expectations for learning, and credit for this learning with such loose accountability and regulations? Do you understand my thought process? Who does the learner demonstrate learning to other than their peers?
Dan