The Eleventh Generation of Higher Education presented by Yi Meng ----Massive Open Online Courses(MOOCs)

Content What is it? Why it’s important? What’s the problem? What has been done? Who has research it? What can we do? References

what is a MOOC? A massive open online course (MOOC) is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web. In addition to traditional course materials such as videos, readings and problem sets, MOOCs provide interactive user forums that help build a community for the students, professors, and teaching assistants (TAs). MOOCs are a recent development in distance education Wikipedia

The Development of MOOCs

why it is important? Appropriate for any setting that has connectivity (Web or Wi-Fi) Any language or multiple languages Any online tools Escape time zones and physical boundaries Produce and deliver in short timeframe (e.g. for relief aid) Contextualized content can be shared by all Informal setting Peer-to-peer contact can trigger serendipitous learning Easier to cross disciplines and institutional barriers Lower barriers to student entry Enhance personal learning environment and/or network by participating Improve lifelong learning skills “Benefits and Challenges of a MOOC” MOOC Guide

what is the problem? Accessibility ( “MOOCs Are Largely Reaching Privileged Learners, Survey Find” Steve Kolowich (November 20, 2013), The Chronicle of Higher Education ) Student Engagement ( "UDACITY'S SEBASTIAN THRUN, GODFATHER OF FREE ONLINE EDUCATION, CHANGES COURSE" Max Chafkin (November 14, 2013) ) lifelong learning ( "UDACITY'S SEBASTIAN THRUN, GODFATHER OF FREE ONLINE EDUCATION, CHANGES COURSE" Max Chafkin (November 14, 2013) )

The MOOC Guide lists 5 possible challenges for collaborative-style MOOCs: Participants must create their own content Digital literacy is necessary Time and effort required from participants It is organic, which means the course will take on its own trajectory (you have got to let go). Participants must self-regulate and set their own goals

What has been done? Who has research it?

What can we do? More survey/research on specific target group (underprivileged, blended education, professional development) Enlarge the idea of MOOC to online education Practice more class involved with MOOC ( flipped classroom, blended course etc.)

Thank you! References 1.Kolowich (November 20, 2013),“MOOCs are largely reaching privileged learners, survey find”, The Chronicle of Higher Education 2.Max Chafkin (November 14, 2013) "UDACITY's SEBASTIAN THRUN, godfather of free online education, changes course" Fast Company Magzine 3.Mackness, Mak, & Williams, (2010). The ideals and reality of participating in a MOOC. In Networked Learing Conference (pp ). University of Lancaster. 4.Chen, Barnett & Stephens, (2013). Fad or future: the advantages and challenges of massive open online courses (MOOCs). Retrieved from