Categories

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Advantages and Disadvantages

0

In the age of online learning, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) have become a preferred way of interactive online learning. Students across the globe are now venturing into online courses to complete higher studies from reputed universities or colleges. MOOC participants can join the classes from any part of the world having connected to the web.  The idea of this online learning was coined in 2008 during a course called “Connectivism and Connective Knowledge”. In the first session, there were a  total of 2300 students and the course was quite successful.

MOOCs are online courses available to anyone with an internet connection. They are often offered by renowned universities and institutions, covering a broad spectrum of topics, from computer science and business to humanities and art. Boasting flexible learning schedules, MOOCs are particularly attractive to individuals who wish to improve their skills, switch careers, or even satisfy an intellectual curiosity at their own pace and convenience. The courses typically encompass video lectures, reading materials, and interactive quizzes, and may also involve peer-reviewed assignments and discussion forums to enhance the learning experience. An essential characteristic of MOOCs is their scalability, enabling thousands of learners to participate concurrently, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones.

Evolution of MOOCs

The rise of MOOCs is deeply intertwined with the digital revolution. As the internet became increasingly accessible, the idea of leveraging technology for education began to take shape, giving birth to the concept of online learning. MOOCs are a testament to this idea, utilizing digital platforms to disseminate knowledge on a virtually limitless scale. The key drivers behind this educational shift include the proliferation of smartphones and affordable internet, the development of advanced software platforms, and the adoption of cloud-based technologies. These digital advancements have eliminated physical and geographical constraints, enabling learners from different corners of the globe to access high-quality educational content. Furthermore, the digitization of educational content allows for a dynamic learning experience, with real-time feedback, interactive quizzes, and collaborative forums. Hence, the digital revolution has not just been a facilitator but a catalyst in the rise and success of MOOCs.

The content of this course is available through RSS Feed, and students are given a choice of tools to learn like – threaded discussions in Moodle, Second Life, synchronous online meetings, and blog posts. With the launch of MOOC, there has been a quite positive change in education like – visual way of learning courses and collaboration between students. The best thing about this visual way of learning is the sign up which is free and students don’t need to get enrolled at any institution offering MOOC.

massive-open-online-courses1
Image Source – http://goo.gl/MIYyQP

How MOOC is expanding

Though this online learning technology is new, it has not yet captured the entire online education sector. Generally, software industry professionals and from the tech industry are those who enroll for MOOC.  The numbers are increasing in recent times and continue to spread across all institutes offering online learning courses. With the present scenario of online courses, MOOCs are increasing in popularity.

MOOCs also attract students who have completed traditional post secondary education and are seeking higher education in their respective fields. According to the survey released by Coursera Institute in US, most of the students taking up this learning are from other countries. These include – Brazil, Canada, UK and Russia. Basically, international students are having a strong foothold over this learning source.

This certainly shows that internationally, MOOCs is gaining more popularity, especially in India and China. With MOOCs, the traditional educational institutions are facing a great challenge and in near future would have to strive hard to compete with online. The main reason is the extensive cost of a full time course, compared to online learning. Moreover, it can be adapted easily. Most of the MBA colleges both overseas are now taking up this section to provide courses to students from other countries.

Presently, there are 3 prominent players offering MOOCs. They are Udacity, Coursera and edX. These players are doing their best to keep the momentum going on for a long period.

mooc-advantages-disadvantages

ALSO CHECK OUT OUR OTHER ARTICLES

Advantages

Institutes that used to offer courses through traditional forms of education are now adding MOOCs technique to their teaching format because it helps the institute in earning benefits, some of which are mentioned below:

  1. Proper Engagement: MOOCs encourage both staff and student to engage with each other. Students can argue on the philosophy of the course through visual speaking method. In educational terms, this is a better way to learn about the course and have a good learning experience.
  2. Alumni can Stay Connected: Even after completing the course, alumni can still stay with the institution be it by teaching a new batch, or by working in the backend process. Those who complete MOOCs may return to the new batch to facilitate the course or migrate to active learners.
  3. Reaching Wider Audience: The best thing about offering MOOCs is it reaches a wider audience, especially those which is out of reach. For those who can’t take up a full time course can go for these online courses.
  4. Media Coverage: MOOCs till date haven’t been presented in a way it should have been by the media. If your institution is offering this online teaching method, then getting a good coverage is important, especially from international media.
  5. Higher Education getting more advanced: The best thing about MOOCs is; it has given a new dimension to higher education. Courses that fall under this online learning are offered by some of the best institute with good online facilities and teaching faculty.
  6. Democratized Access to Education: MOOCs offer democratized access to education, breaking down the barriers of traditional learning formats. They enable individuals, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status, to access quality educational resources from world-renowned institutions. This democratization of education fosters a more inclusive and equitable global learning community, creating opportunities for those who might not have had access to such advanced educational resources otherwise.
  7. Flexibility and Convenience: MOOCs provide utmost flexibility and convenience, making them an excellent choice for individuals juggling multiple responsibilities. These courses allow learners to move at their own pace, accommodating different learning speeds and schedules. Whether you’re a full-time employee looking to upskill, or a student trying to expand your knowledge base, MOOCs offer the flexibility to learn whenever and wherever you want. This convenience makes education more accessible for people across different life stages and circumstances.
  8. Diverse Courses and Subjects: MOOCs provide utmost flexibility and convenience, making them an excellent choice for individuals juggling multiple responsibilities. These courses allow learners to move at their own pace, accommodating different learning speeds and schedules. Whether you’re a full-time employee looking to upskill, or a student trying to expand your knowledge base, MOOCs offer the flexibility to learn whenever and wherever you want. This convenience makes education more accessible for people across different life stages and circumstances.
  9. Opportunities for Lifelong Learning: MOOCs open a gateway to lifelong learning, enabling individuals to explore a wide range of subjects and disciplines. There are no age restrictions or prerequisite qualifications required to enroll in these courses. Whether you’re a retiree interested in learning a new language, a professional brushing up on project management skills, or a student exploring topics beyond school curriculum, MOOCs cater to all. This provision for lifelong learning keeps minds active, encourages ongoing professional development, and promotes the joy of intellectual exploration at any stage of life.

Disadvantages

However, with benefits, challenges do come that make it more difficult for MOOCs to reach their target audience.  But it depends on institutes as to how they overcome these challenges and make it prominent.

  1. No Established Courses: The major hurdle which is faced is the standardized and proper structure of the course. Generally, MOOCs don’t have proper set of learning objectives that can go well with  all participants. With having lack of proper assessment and variety of learning objectives making it difficult to learn.
  2. Very Few Completing the Course: Presently, there are thousands of students who take up MOOCs course through overseas universities, but there are only few who could complete the course entirely.  Many students engage only in discussions and others don’t continue with the course for some reasons.
  3. Different Role of Instructor: Another major challenge is the different roles of instructor. Having a large number of participants also poses hurdle in communication between instructor and students. Student feel disconnected with the course and ultimately leaves in midway. This different role from instructor has definitely affected the position of MOOCs.
  4. Relying on Multimedia Content: This is yet another problem which the user faces. As the entire course is offered online, both faculty and students have to rely on multimedia content. The course contains presentations, audio lectures, etc, all these through online medium. Not every student has the access to such multimedia and engages to it entirely.
  5. Lack of One-on-one Interaction With Instructors: One of the more significant drawbacks of MOOCs is the absence of direct, personalized interaction between students and teachers. In traditional classroom settings, students have the opportunity to clarify doubts, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback. However, in a MOOC, due to the sheer volume of students, this type of individual attention becomes nearly impossible. As a result, students may find it difficult to fully understand complex concepts, leading to a potential decrease in course completion rates.
  6. Course Completion Rates: Despite the convenience and flexibility offered by MOOCs, they often suffer from low course completion rates. These rates, generally around 5-15%, are significantly lower than traditional face-to-face courses. The reasons for this are manifold. Some students may not have the discipline or motivation to continue with the self-paced course, others may be deterred by technical difficulties, and still others may simply lose interest. The lack of direct interaction with instructors and peers may also contribute to feelings of isolation, further lowering engagement and completion rates. Thus, while MOOCs offer numerous advantages, their effectiveness is ultimately dependent on the commitment and perseverance of individual learners.
  7. Quality and Accreditation Issues: One of the major concerns with MOOCs revolves around the quality of the course material and its recognition in the academic and professional world. While many MOOCs are created by reputable institutions, there are concerns that some courses may not meet the rigorous academic standards found in traditional educational settings. This is compounded by the fact that accreditation for MOOCs is still in its infancy. Many MOOCs offer certificates upon completion, but there’s often ambiguity about the value of these certificates. They may not be recognized by employers or other educational institutions, which can limit their usefulness for career advancement or academic progression. Therefore, students enrolling in MOOCs must carefully consider the credibility of the course and its potential recognition in their desired field.
  8. Need for Self-Discipline and Motivation: One of the key challenges faced by MOOC students is the need for a high level of self-discipline and motivation. Unlike traditional classroom settings, MOOCs often lack the structure and deadlines that help keep students on track. Participants are largely responsible for managing their own study schedule and completing coursework in a timely manner. This level of autonomy can be difficult to manage, particularly for individuals who are not accustomed to self-directed learning. A lack of motivation or discipline can easily lead to course abandonment, a problem often reflected in the high dropout rates associated with MOOCs. Despite the flexibility of studying at one’s own pace, it requires a dedicated commitment to stay the course and see it through to completion.

Technical difficulties are the major hurdle that both the universities and students go through. Moreover, there were also few reports of plagiarism which raises question on its authenticity. For any kind of courses, quality matters the most and so the institute of university offering the course must make sure to offer quality course. This also brings interest among students to take up this course for higher studies. However, a proper research is essential to avoid any kind of mistake later on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) represent a significant shift in the education landscape, offering unprecedented access to high-quality learning resources. Their advantages, such as scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, highlight the potential they possess to democratize education. However, various challenges, including a lack of personalized attention, the need for self-discipline, and questions around credibility, underscore the complexities inherent in this mode of learning. As both learners and educators continue to navigate this evolving digital terrain, the future of MOOCs remains an intriguing space to watch. Balancing the enormous potential of MOOCs with the challenges they present is key to their continued evolution and success. The conversation around MOOCs is far from over; rather, it is an ongoing dialogue about how to deliver the best educational experience possible in an increasingly digital world.

Check out GadgetPreview for more!

Share.

Leave A Reply