what is an mooc course

by Delphine Pollich 6 min read

How many MOOC students finish their courses?

The real problem, though, is that more than 90% of the MOOC participants don’t finish the coursework. Many don’t even start the courses they registered for. And, a lot of those participants who finish a course don’t take another one. For example, the average completion rate for most Coursera courses is around 5%.

What makes a good MOOC?

Taught By

  • Olga Echevskaya доцент, кандидат социологических наук
  • Liliya Styazhkina Head of the Video Production Unit
  • Yakov Somov Director of Lektorium
  • Anastasia Gribanovskaya MOOC producer, instructional designer of Lektorium
  • Katerina Andreevskaya Manager of Lektorium
  • Margarita Shirinyan Course launch supervisor of Lektorium

More items...

Who should take a MOOC?

MOOCs are taught by universities across the world and cover a huge range of topics. They can help you get to grips with a new subject, and they look super impressive to teachers, colleges, apprenticeships, universities, and future employers. Why take one? There are four main reasons to take a MOOC: They can introduce you to new topics.

What is a MOOC and how does it work?

What is a MOOC and how does it work? What is a Massive open online Course (MOOC)? Massive open online Course (MOOC) is a free online course that supports learning in a variety of different subjects. MOOCs aim to connect learners from across the globe with educators and with each other. ...

What is MOOC course?

massive open online courseA massive open online course (MOOC) is a model for delivering learning content online to any person who wants to take a course, with no limit on attendance.

What is the difference between online course and MOOC?

Unlike an online course which focuses more on content, MOOCs focus more on context. Good content is a prerequisite to creating a MOOC but what keeps it going is dynamic building up of context around the content. Online courses are close-ended with static content. The content in a MOOC is not static.

What are MOOCs examples?

Among the largest MOOCs are:Introduction to Computer Science (Harvard / edX)Learning how to Learn (UC San Diego / Coursera)Machine Learning (Stanford / Coursera)Justice (Harvard / edX)The Science of Happiness (Berkeley / edX)Intro to Artificial Intelligence (Udacity)

Are MOOC certificates worth anything?

In summary, MOOCs provide a unique opportunity for learning new skills, advance your knowledge, and professional development. In some cases, it may be worthwhile to pursue a verified certificate as a means to showcase your skills, but for the most part, audit learners can acquire same skills and experience.

What are the pros and cons of MOOCs?

The resources are also accessible without any cost through a search engine like Google, Yahoo, etc. MOOCs have the biggest advantage in that students can access them without any cost....Disadvantages Of MOOCsHigh attrition rates. ... Not meant for students with disabilities. ... No special attention. ... Unable to pay attention.More items...•

Are MOOCs free?

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free online courses available for anyone to enroll. MOOCs provide an affordable and flexible way to learn new skills, advance your career and deliver quality educational experiences at scale.

Is udemy a MOOC?

Udemy, Inc. is a for-profit massive open online course (MOOC) provider aimed at professional adults and students.

Should MOOCs replace textbooks?

MOOC content can be a valuable addition to course materials, but more experimentation is needed. Take any college textbook these days, and chances are there's a massive open online course out there on the topic.

Why is MOOC called Massive?

In the Wikipedia, the following definition of Massive open online course is provided: A massive open online course (MOOC) is an online course aimed at large-scale interactive participation and open access via the web.

Do employers look at MOOCs?

In a survey of 103 human resources professionals, they found that while most hiring managers would view a MOOC favorably on a resume (85% of those who had heard of MOOCs reported that they would view a MOOC “positively” or “very positively”), the vast majority of those surveyed said that they were less likely to think ...

Does a MOOC count as work experience?

Which you could try. Hopefully the universities will lower the work experience requirements as the mooc won't count as work experience but I suppose it's better than nothing. I'm only in yr 11 so I've got another summer to find work experience but I've started it as I'm missing some this summer.

Can you put Coursera on your resume?

Add Coursera professional certificates to your resume Offered by such world-class partners as Google, IBM, and Meta, Coursera's flexible, online professional certificates can help you get job-ready for such in-demand careers as project manager or data analyst.

What is MOOC in education?

MOOCs are massive open online courses. The concept, spearheaded by edX, began as an opportunity for organizations to offer online courses to students all over the world, ...

What was the first MOOC?

For example, the first-ever MOOC, still available today, was MIT’s Circuits and Electronics course. As of September 2019, this course has reached nearly 500,000 learners. Additional examples include Boston University’s digital product management course, part of a MicroMasters® Program in Digital Product Management, Microsoft’s Introduction to R for Data science course, and many more.

When did MOOCs start earning college credit?

In 2015, for the first time ever, learners earned college credit for MOOCs on edX. Since then, edX and our partner universities have increased the number of programs around the world that recognize learners’ accomplishments in MOOCs and offer credit pathways into degree programs.

What is EdX course?

edX offers courses in a range of subjects, from architecture to business & management, computer science, data analysis & statistics, engineering, food and nutrition, law, literature, math, philosophy, science, and more.

What is MOOC in class?

Despite large class sizes, a key characteristic of a MOOC is the collaborative learning environment. Many MOOCs seek to mimic the in-class setup for learning, which involves peers working together, asking questions, and gaining feedback. Technological tools like forums, meetups, and social media groups make it possible for each individual to contribute their thoughts and questions to the larger group.

When did MOOCs start?

This allowed anyone to be able to access dozens of MIT courses online. However, the creation of a MOOC really hit its stride in 2008, thanks to online courses by David Wiley (Utah State University) and Alex Couros (University of Regina). While they initiated MOOCs, the term was first used by Georges Siemens and Dave Cormier to reference a course entitled “Connectivism and Connective Knowledge ” out of the University of Manitoba in Canada.

What is the MOOC market in 2025?

By 2025, the massive open online courses (MOOC) market is expected to be roughly $25.33 billion. Now, you may be asking, “What is MOOC?” and “What does MOOC stand for?” MOOC stands for massive open online course. MOOCs have become a popular and proven way to obtain education online that is accessible, affordable, and self-paced.

Can you enroll in a MOOC without submitting?

When it comes to attending a MOOC, students can enroll online without submitting much more than their basic personal information. Since everything takes place online, there is virtually no limit to how many people can learn from a MOOC.

Is MOOC class size uncapped?

Since anyone can enroll in a MOOC, the class size is typically uncapped, hence the word “massive” as part of its name. This means that hundreds of thousands of students can access the often pre-recorded and uploaded materials whenever they wish to.

Is University of the People an online university?

For those who wish to earn a degree online, there are options like the University of the People. University of the People is an accredited online university that provides students with access to learning materials and world-renowned instructors. Students utilize the Moodle platform to engage in lectures, discussions, and assignments to earn a degree (or non-degree certificates ).

Is MOOC tuition free?

Can we call MOOCs tuition-free? While plenty of MOOC courses are completely free of cost, many courses require learners to pay. As such, MOOC is not tuition-free by definition.

What is MOOC learning?

The courses on MOOC platforms provide a virtual learning environment with videos, quizzes, and peer-to-peer discussions. These courses are also interactive which means that they provide feedback to the learners in real-time. It is easy to access these courses anytime and anywhere which helps people with work/life balance issues.

What is MOOC online?

MOOC online courses or Massive Online Open Courses are the best way to get a quality education without spending a lot of money.

How have MOOCs helped the world?

They have helped democratize the education system, making it more accessible for people all around the world.

Why are MOOC certificates worth it?

MOOC certificates are worth a lot as they have become an identity for the learner. The certificates serve as certification that the person has attended and is qualified to talk about a certain topic.

Why are MOOCs important?

MOOCs have become an essential part of the education system. They provide a cost-effective way to get certified or learn new skills. MOOCs have gradually been used in the workplace, and as a result, they are now being used for pieces of training.

How successful are MOOCs?

MOOCs can be successful when they are highly engaging and interactive. A successful MOOC will also use the right medium, such as a video or game, to attract learners.

When did MOOCs start?

MOOCs was started in 2006 by Harvard University professor David Karger and MIT professor Eric Lander because they wanted to bring higher education to people who didn’t have the chance of going to college.

What is a Mooc?

Mooc.org is an extension of edX.org, a leader in online courses. Whether you're interested in learning for yourself, leveraging online courses to educate your workforce or creating a MOOC, edX can help.

What is MOOCs in education?

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free online courses available for anyone to enroll. MOOCs provide an affordable and flexible way to learn new skills, advance your career and deliver quality educational experiences at scale.

Why do people use MOOCs?

Millions of people around the world use MOOCs to learn for a variety of reasons, including: career development, changing careers, college preparations, supplemental learning, lifelong learning, corporate eLearning & training, and more. MOOCs have dramatically changed the way the world learns.

What does MOOC mean in French?

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Courses. In French, this means that these courses, offered by schools and universities, or businesses, are accessible to everyone for free on the Internet. MOOCs are open and bring together thousands of people.

Why are MOOCs important?

The massive influx of MOOCs in recent years has provided a large amount of people with access to education on a wide range of topics, regardless of country or level of education. Whether for personal education or to build professional skill sets, MOOCs are a great alternative to conventional training. This online learning format was created from Ivy League American universities and thanks to MOOCs, it is now possible for people around the world to access knowledge gathered from the most prestigious institutions.

Do you have to finish a MOOC?

Be aware, however, that once registered, there is no obligation to finish a MOOC if it does not meet your expectations, or seems too difficult.

What is MOOC course?

Credit: astarot – Shutterstock. The acronym MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course, and it refers to short university-level courses offered online via distance learning and, in most cases, free of charge. Instead of having lectures and seminars every day, MOOCs are taught entirely online, while contact with lecturers is made by email ...

What is MOOCs in education?

Accessible education. The main aim of these courses is to make university-level knowledge accessible to anyone who wants to learn, regardless of their location or personal situation. MOOCs shouldn't be confused with Open University courses, which are fully accredited university degrees offered online for students who want to study in their own time ...

How do MOOCs work?

Instead of having lectures and seminars every day, MOOCs are taught entirely online, while contact with lecturers is made by email and group discussions take place over course forums. Coursework and assessment work differently depending on the course you take and which university is offering the program.

Why are MOOCs so popular?

MOOCs are growing in popularity as they provide high-quality teaching from some of the most respected professors and at the world's best universities, but require very little commitment and have no entry requirements. For example, Oxford Uni stepped into the distance learning world by offering their first MOOC in 2017.

What does extracurricular learning demonstrate?

Extracurricular learning demonstrates to future employers that you have a genuine desire to learn and broaden your knowledge.

Is MOOCs for everyone?

Online learning isn't for everyone, and MOOCs do tend to be most popular among graduates seeking to top up their knowledge on a subject to progress in their career. However, that's not to say that current students can't benefit from these courses.

Do MOOCs have a certificate?

Most MOOCs won’t offer a formal qualification once you've completed the course (but you can pay around £50 for a certificate if you'd like proof). It is, however, possible to use certain programs to gain credits towards a degree or to gain a Certificate of Achievement (but again, you'll have to fork out for this).

What is MOOC in college?

MOOC stands for ‘massive open online course’. The term originated in the US in 2008 to describe free, easily accessible, completely online courses. MOOCs give you the chance to study with top universities around the world. MOOCs don’t always lead to formal qualifications, but they do mean you can gain knowledge in all sorts of areas.

Why do people use MOOCs?

You might use a MOOC to develop career skills, prepare for other education, or explore a new interest. There are usually no entry requirements for MOOCs. You can take part regardless of where you live or your financial circumstances. Because they take place online, MOOCs can grow very big.

How often do MOOCs run?

MOOCs usually have a specific start and finish date, they run a couple of times a year, and last for weeks rather than the months or years that traditional university courses do. During a MOOC, you’ll use a wide range of online media and interactive tools to interact with university educators and other learners.

What is online degree?

Online degreesStudy flexibly online as you build to a degree

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Overview

Emergence of MOOC providers

According to The New York Times, 2012 became "the year of the MOOC" as several well-financed providers, associated with top universities, emerged, including Coursera, Udacity, and edX.
During a presentation at SXSWedu in early 2013, Instructure CEO Josh Coates suggested that MOOCs are in the midst of a hype cycle, with expectations und…

History

Before the Digital Age, distance learning appeared in the form of correspondence courses in the 1890s–1920s and later radio and television broadcast of courses and early forms of e-learning. Typically fewer than five percent of the students would complete a course. For example the Stanford Honors Cooperative Program, established in 1954, eventually offered video classes on-site at companies, at night, leading to a fully accredited Master's degree. This program was cont…

Student experience and pedagogy

By June 2012, more than 1.5 million people had registered for classes through Coursera, Udacity or edX. As of 2013, the range of students registered appears to be broad, diverse and non-traditional, but concentrated among English-speakers in rich countries. By March 2013, Coursera alone had registered about 2.8 million learners. By October 2013, Coursera enrollment continued to surge, surpassing 5 million, while edX had independently reached 1.3 million.

Information architecture

When searching for the desired course, the courses are usually organized by "most popular" or a "topical scheme". Courses planned for synchronous learning are structured as an exact organizational scheme called a chronological scheme, Courses planned for asynchronous learning are also presented as a chronological scheme, but the order the information is learned as a hybrid scheme. In this way it can be harder to understand the course content and complete, because t…

Industry

MOOCs are widely seen as a major part of a larger disruptive innovation taking place in higher education. In particular, the many services offered under traditional university business models are predicted to become unbundled and sold to students individually or in newly formed bundles. These services include research, curriculum design, content generation (such as textbooks), teaching, assessment and certification (such as granting degrees) and student placement. MOO…

Benefits

MOOCs are regarded by many as an important tool to widen access to higher education (HE) for millions of people, including those in the developing world, and ultimately enhance their quality of life. MOOCs may be regarded as contributing to the democratisation of HE, not only locally or regionally but globally as well. MOOCs can help democratise content and make knowledge reachable for everyone. Students are able to access complete courses offered by universities al…

Challenges and criticisms

The MOOC Guide suggests six possible challenges for cMOOCs:
1. Relying on user-generated content can create a chaotic learning environment.
2. Digital literacy is necessary to make use of the online materials.
3. The time and effort required from participants may exceed what students are willing to commit to a free online course.

What Are MOOCs?

  • To further break down the meaning of MOOC, we can look at each word within the acronym: 1. Massive because enrollment is technically uncapped – there can be hundreds of thousands of students enrolled at any given time 2. Open because there is no admission process, meaning that anyone can enroll 3. Online since classes are all delivered via the inte...
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A Brief History of MOOCs

  • Since MOOCs are a form ofdistance learning, they inherently rely on access to technology. The primary purpose of a MOOC was to be able to provide education for all. Initially, this ideological principle was theorized by Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig of Denmark, and this idea of “education for all” transformed into the creation of folk high schools. As technology progressed, t…
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Is MOOC Tuition-Free?

  • Can we call MOOCs tuition-free? While plenty of MOOC courses are completely free of cost, many courses require learners to pay. As such, MOOC is not tuition-free by definition. However, there are options to attend courses online for free. In these cases, students typically do not receive any certificate of completion (which is often offered as an additional cost and option gran…
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Who Can Enroll at A MOOC?

  • When it comes to attending a MOOC, students can enroll online without submitting much more than their basic personal information. Since everything takes place online, there is virtually no limit to how many people can learn from a MOOC. Students can also start learning from a MOOC at any point in time.
See more on uopeople.edu

What’s The Class Size of MOOCs?

  • Since anyone can enroll in a MOOC, the class size is typically uncapped, hence the word “massive” as part of its name. This means that hundreds of thousands of students can access the often pre-recorded and uploaded materials whenever they wish to. Despite large class sizes, a key characteristic of a MOOC is the collaborative learning environment. Many MOOCs seek to …
See more on uopeople.edu

MOOCs vs. Online Universities

  • While a MOOC is a great option to further one’s education, it is not the only option students have when learning online. In fact, online learning is gaining popularity over time. For those who wish to earn a degree online, there are options like the University of the People. University of the People is an accredited online university that provides students with access to learning materials and w…
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The Bottom Line

  • Thanks to the innovation in technology and proliferation of the internet and internet-enabled devices, people worldwide are gaining or expanding their access to education. There are many MOOC platforms to choose from that host courses from well-known universities (including some from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, the University of California, Irvine, and more). Examples of popula…
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Benefits of Learning at University of The People

  • People who wish to advance in their career, increase their salary potential, improve their job prospects, or continue learning have an option to learn with a MOOC. Alternatively, for students who wish to maximize their earning potential, enter a new field, or grow within their current position, a degree or certificate from University of the People can make this dream a reality. Stu…
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