An early report card on Massive Open Online Courses
This
week the Wall Street Journal published an article, An early report card on Massive Open Online Courses. While they highlighted the benefits of MOOCs,
such as open education for large numbers of people, the article primarily
focused on the issues surrounding MOOCs and how educators are working to
remediate these concerns.
Overall,
the article suggested that often participants enrolled in MOOCs feel disengaged
and isolated, which leads large numbers dropping out of courses. However,
facilitators of MOOCs are finding solutions, for example, by providing weekly
videos or motivating messages. Other solutions included providing a blended
model and interestingly enough students who paid even a minimum for the course
were more likely to complete it.
The article highlights research that has found students who interact with other students, by participating in discussion forums, are more engaged and do better in the course. However, what they don’t know is why some people are active on discussion forums and others are not.
This leads to interesting questions. Why do you participate in discussion forums in blended or online courses? In any of your blended or online classes what makes you feel engaged? Why do you decide to participate in discussion forums over blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media? And how do you make that decision? What helps you be successful in online or blended questions?
I participate in online forums such as discussions, reply to fbk comments and feel very much engaged when and where the topic interests me and I have something specifically to share that could be of benefit or encouraging to the originator. I also like that fact that I can see my comments instantly (therefore thinking critically I just reflected) as well as received feedback> now I am engaged. Fulfilled in a sense like instant gratification from just sharing, learning and growing with others!
ReplyDeleteIt is true that students who interact with other students are more likely to do better in a online course. Personally speaking, I love utilizing the forums to discuss questions and concerns that I have. At time though, I feel as if Facebook, Twitter, and other social media rank above discussion forums since more people check social media and would be more likely to respond.
ReplyDeleteI am admittedly a lurker in the MOOC environment. Perhaps I should even admit to being a "lifter." I love being able to route relevant resources and exciting ideas to my F2F teachers. Additionally, as an online course designer and instructor, I like to put myself in the role of student. I have learned how long I can sit and view a video. I see how directions can be clear...or confusing. I do like the personal interaction with fellow students. So in taking this course, I am both gleaning ideas for the F2F folks in my teaching world as well as taking notes for what works best in a very independent learning environent.
ReplyDelete