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What is a MOOC? It's a Massive Open Online Course.

Posted to Gurteen Knowledge-Log by David Gurteen on 26 May 2013

 



Title

What is a MOOC? It's a Massive Open Online Course.
WeblogGurteen Knowledge Log
Knowledge LetterAppears in the Gurteen Knowledge Letter issue: 155
Posted DateSunday 26 May 2013 13:21 GDT
Posted ByDavid Gurteen
Linkshttp://steve-dale.net/2013/05/13/moocs-what-are-they 

If you have ever wondered what a MOOC is but never taken the time to Google it then take e a look at this blog post by Stephen Dale MOOC's – What Are They?

It's a really good overview based on his own experience of participating in one.

What jumped out at me towards the end of the post was this:

Education is primarily driven by motivation, and online learning doesn't do anything to address people's motivational needs. In fact, the nature of online education strips away many of the components that keep students engaged and committed.

Many of the factors that online education advocates claim are a benefit, such as time flexibility and the lack of classrooms, are actually a hindrance to learning.

Studies have shown that a fixed structure and the sense of belonging that comes from a student body improve completion rates.

Allowing students to study on their own removes these components of the support system resulting in lower rates of course completion.


Like Steve, I am not so sure I totally agree but it does remind me of this quotation from Plutarch:

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.


Seems to me, this is the key point that is missed in education time and time again.



If you are interested in Knowledge Management, the Knowledge Café or the role of conversation in organizational life then you my be interested in this online book I am writing on Conversational Leadership
David Gurteen


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