what is mooc course

by Nigel Ziemann 5 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 course in MOOCs?

A 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 MOOC certificate?

A massive open online course (MOOC) is a free web-based distance learning program that is designed for large numbers of geographically dispersed students. A MOOC may be patterned on a college or university course or be less structured.

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)

What is the purpose of MOOC?

MOOCs integrate social networking, accessible online resources, and are facilitated by leading practitioners in the field of study. Most significantly, MOOCs build on the engagement of learners who self-organize their participation according to learning goals, prior knowledge and skills, and common interests.

Are MOOC 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 MOOC courses compulsory?

The answer is no, NPTEL MOOC courses or NPTEL courses are not compulsory for B. Tech students. These MOOC course in AKTU are brought into the curriculum so that students can learn from prestigious institutes of the country, but MOOC courses can help students to get a B.

Is udemy a MOOC?

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

Is MOOC certificate valid?

Those pursuing the verified certificate option must prove their identity through photo and government-issued ID validation processes via webcam, and pass the class by meeting exam and assignment requirements. Both Coursera and edX have verified certificate options in a vast majority of MOOCs.

Do MOOC certificates matter?

b) It doesn't matter if it's from a reputed university, it has almost no value in comparison to being an alumni of the university. This may change in the future when MOOCs are given more credibility. c) It's not the certificate that matters but the practical use you made out of the skills you got from the course.

What is the difference between MOOCs and online education?

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.

Which are the two types of MOOCs?

There are considered to be two different types of MOOCs:cMOOCs, which are connective Massive Open Online Courses that share digital online learning elements and environments and are connected together in a variety of ways.xMOOCs, or extended Massive Open Online Courses.

How do I prepare for a MOOC?

Ten Simple Rules for Developing a MOOCRule 1: Educator Mission—Establish the Purpose.Rule 2: What Is a MOOC?— Experience a MOOC Firsthand.Rule 3: Select a MOOC Provider.Rule 4: Decide on Subject Matter.Rule 5: Determine Governance.Rule 6: Design Your MOOC.Rule 7: Pilot Test Your MOOC.Rule 8: Promote the MOOC.More items...•

What is MOOC course?

A massive open online course ( MOOC / muːk /) is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the Web. In addition to traditional course materials, such as filmed lectures, readings, and problem sets, many MOOCs provide interactive courses with user forums or social media discussions to support community interactions among students, professors, and teaching assistants (TAs), as well as immediate feedback to quick quizzes and assignments. MOOCs are a widely researched development in distance education, first introduced in 2008, that emerged as a popular mode of learning in 2012.

How does MOOCs help learners?

The learning environments of MOOCs make it easier for learners across the globe to work together on common goals. Instead of having to physically meet one another, online collaboration creates partnerships among learners. While time zones may have an effect on the hours that learners communicate, projects, assignments, and more can be completed to incorporate the skills and resources that different learners offer no matter where they are located. Distance and collaboration can benefit learners who may have struggled with traditionally more individual learning goals, including learning how to write.

How long should a MOOC video be?

A study of edX student habits found that certificate-earning students generally stop watching videos longer than 6 to 9 minutes. They viewed the first 4.4 minutes (median) of 12- to 15-minut e videos. Some traditional schools blend online and offline learning, sometimes called flipped classrooms. Students watch lectures online at home and work on projects and interact with faculty while in class. Such hybrids can even improve student performance in traditional in-person classes. One fall 2012 test by San Jose State and edX found that incorporating content from an online course into a for-credit campus-based course increased pass rates to 91% from as low as 55% without the online component. "We do not recommend selecting an online-only experience over a blended learning experience", says Coursera's Andrew Ng.

Why do MOOCs require instructional design?

Because of massive enrollments, MOOCs require instructional design that facilitates large-scale feedback and interaction. The two basic approaches are:

What technology was used to host the MOOC?

The technology used to host the MOOC was the Galileo Educational System platform (GES) which is based on the .LRN project. "Gender Through Comic Books" was a course taught by Ball State University 's Christina Blanch on Instructure's Canvas Network, a MOOC platform launched in November 2012.

How many hours do professors spend on MOOCs?

The professors then spent 8–10 hours per week on the course, including participation in discussion forums.

When did distance learning start?

Main article: Distance learning. 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 ...

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 are MOOC Online Courses and how it benefits students?

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

Why MOOC Matters for Higher Education?

MOOCs have given rise to a new and improved way of learning. They have helped democratize the education system , making it more accessible for people all around the world.

What Makes a MOOC Successful and Effective?

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.

What Types of MOOCs You Can Consider for Your Education?

MOOCs are online courses that are available for free and without the need of taking a formal admissions process. The term MOOC is an acronym that stands for Massive Open Online Courses. These courses are very popular because they have the potential to offer students the same knowledge as a traditional college course but with no cost attached to them.

How to Create a Powerful Learning Environment for Your Team with MOOC Courseware Platforms?

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 are MOOCs evolving?

MOOCs are evolving with the needs of students, institutions, and employers. So far, they have been successful in adapting to these changes and adapting to the needs of students. It is expected that MOOCs will continue to be at the forefront of education in the future by providing accessible courses for everyone who wants them.

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.

What are MOOCs?

To further break down the meaning of MOOC, we can look at each word within the acronym:

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.

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.

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.

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 ).

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 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.

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).

Are MOOCs worth it?

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.

What Does MOOC Mean?

MOOC is short for Massive Open Online Course. Massive open online courses are online courses that are open to everyone and can accommodate a lot of people at the same time. Usually, the courses are in video format and they come with integrated tests.

What Are Examples of MOOCs?

There are many examples of MOOCs, however, some of the most popular ones include:

Are All Online Courses MOOCs?

No. All online courses are not MOOCs but all MOOCs are online courses.

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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 th…

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, …
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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 granted by MO…
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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.
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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 mimi…
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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 worl…
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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 popular …
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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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