This report introduces this innovation in eLearning and set out its main contributions, highlighting why MOOC are considerable innovation in today’s teaching and learning and the developments of innovations that are important in our today’s life. It will provide a history of the MOOCs, describe the research and the works on which this innovation is built, by specifying the first MOOCs, what they were and when, and then tell how they have developed so far.
The report also examines the different MOOCs produced and their impact on higher education and human life; Highlight the main issues or problems remaining around MOOC projects and try propose valid and appropriate their next steps. Finally, resources will be considered to recommend three important elements in the strategic MOOC project dissemination, namely the use of social media engagement, conference presentations and webinars.
Table of Contents
Innovation in Open Education
1. Overview
2. Innovation in MOOC
3. MOOC Background
4. Outcome and Impact
5. Current Issues around MOOC
6. Next Steps
Dissemination Strategy
1. Social Media Engagement Strategy
2. Conference presentation
3. Webinar
Objectives and Topics
This report aims to evaluate the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as a significant innovation in higher education, analyzing their historical development, impact, and existing challenges, while proposing strategic dissemination methods to enhance their reach and effectiveness.
- Evolution and historical context of MOOCs
- Impact of MOOCs on higher education and lifelong learning
- Identification of critical challenges such as completion rates and sustainability
- Strategic implementation of social media, conferences, and webinars for project dissemination
Excerpt from the Book
2. Innovation in MOOC
Since MOOCs emerged in recent years, they are described as the most prominent innovation in higher education due to their ability to change the nature of higher education (Mark, 2016), especially on the format and pedagogical base (Lackner & Kopp, 2014). Their innovativeness lies on their ability to foster interactions and social activities (Michael & Mariya, 2018) which allows for ideas sharing among participants who even get deeply involved in the subject through a wide variety of synchronous and asynchronous online activities; hence learners can get input from the teacher and reflect on the topic at different times and places (Butcher et al., 2014). They provide learner independence and peer support through more expressive, reflective and explanatory activities (Weller, 2011) that strengthen the sense of creativity, ownership, control, autonomy and personal direction (Feltlikeit, 2013) because supportive technologies are, arguably, well aligned with good pedagogy and participation (Conole, 2008).
Very interestingly, MOOCs provide different learning arrangements such as platforms, online classrooms, teaching roles, tutors, multimedia, interactive tools, resources, and computer-supported collaborative learning (Molas & Fuertes, 2018). With this innovation, the concept of eLearning has developed beyond text books and essay reports as a prime method of assessment. The availability of multimedia resources that combine the acquisition of evidence-based knowledge with educationally validated teaching methods and assessments are sparse, within different fields. The use of different tools that learners may use to research, communicate, store, retrieve, construct, share, develop, and reflect, information, ideas and resources, certainly enhances their learning.
Summary of Chapters
Innovation in Open Education: This section introduces MOOCs as a transformative educational technology derived from the Open Educational Resources movement, outlining their pedagogical significance.
1. Overview: Defines the term MOOC and explains its role as a classroom-like educational resource supported by technology, categorizing them into cMOOC, xMOOC, and tMOOC.
2. Innovation in MOOC: Examines how MOOCs foster learner independence, interaction, and collaborative learning, shifting away from traditional assessment methods.
3. MOOC Background: Chronicles the history of MOOCs starting from 2008, detailing the emergence of major platforms and the global adoption of the model.
4. Outcome and Impact: Discusses the positive role of MOOCs in revolutionizing education, widening access to lifelong learning, and creating economic benefits.
5. Current Issues around MOOC: Analyzes the challenges facing MOOC development, including low completion rates, sustainability issues, and lack of infrastructure.
6. Next Steps: Proposes future directions for MOOCs, focusing on instructional design evolution, better student motivation, and technological integration.
Dissemination Strategy: Outlines methods to promote MOOC projects, emphasizing audience targeting.
1. Social Media Engagement Strategy: Explores the use of interactive web 2.0 tools to create communities and raise public awareness for MOOC projects.
2. Conference presentation: Describes how conferences facilitate the exchange of ideas and dissemination of MOOC-related innovations among experts and stakeholders.
3. Webinar: Details the utility of real-time web-based seminars for connecting presenters with global audiences through interactive digital features.
Keywords
Massive Open Online Courses, MOOC, Open Content, Open Pedagogy, Open Educational Strategies, Dissemination Strategies, eLearning, Higher Education, Social Media, Online Learning, Student Retention, Instructional Design, Global Education, Educational Technology, Educational Innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work provides a comprehensive evaluation of MOOCs as an innovation in higher education, covering their development, impacts, and strategies for effective project dissemination.
What are the central themes discussed in the report?
The report centers on the historical evolution of MOOCs, their pedagogical impact, the challenges of low completion rates, and strategies like social media and webinars to market and disseminate these courses.
What is the main research objective?
The primary objective is to highlight why MOOCs are a significant innovation in modern teaching and to recommend strategic dissemination elements to ensure their success.
Which methodology is employed in this analysis?
The author utilizes a qualitative review of existing literature, reports, and case studies to evaluate the current state and future potential of MOOCs.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the history of MOOCs, their categorization, global growth, economic and pedagogical impacts, persistent issues like drop-out rates, and specific communication strategies for dissemination.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Massive Open Online Courses, Open Pedagogy, Educational Innovation, eLearning, Dissemination Strategies, and Online Learning.
How do social media strategies contribute to MOOC dissemination?
Social media allows projects to target specific demographics, facilitate community building among students and researchers, and track engagement through metrics like views and clicks.
What is the role of webinars in this context?
Webinars serve as interactive, real-time platforms that allow organizers to connect with global audiences, demonstrating platform usage and educational content to stakeholders.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Sixbert Sangwa (Author), 2019, Innovation in Education. Massive Open Online Courses and Dissemination Strategies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1012819
