The pedagogical foundations of massive open online courses

Authors

  • David George Glance University of Western Australia
  • Martin Forsey University of Western Australia
  • Myles Riley University of Western Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v18i5.4350

Keywords:

Internet, Society, Teaching and Learning

Abstract

In 2011, the respective roles of higher education institutions and students worldwide were brought into question by the rise of the massive open online course (MOOC). MOOCs are defined by signature characteristics that include: lectures formatted as short videos combined with formative quizzes; automated assessment and/or peer and self–assessment and an online forum for peer support and discussion. Although not specifically designed to optimise learning, claims have been made that MOOCs are based on sound pedagogical foundations that are at the very least comparable with courses offered by universities in face–to–face mode. To validate this, we examined the literature for empirical evidence substantiating such claims. Although empirical evidence directly related to MOOCs was difficult to find, the evidence suggests that there is no reason to believe that MOOCs are any less effective a learning experience than their face–to–face counterparts. Indeed, in some aspects, they may actually improve learning outcomes.

Author Biographies

David George Glance, University of Western Australia

Associate Professor David Glance is director of the UWA Centre for Software Practice, a UWA research and development centre. His research interests include open source software, technology and society and health informatics.

Martin Forsey, University of Western Australia

Associate Professor Martin Forsey teaches at the University of Western Australia and has written about neoliberal reform of schooling, school choice and supplementary education. Email: martin.forsey@uwa.edu.au

Myles Riley, University of Western Australia

Myles Riley is studying her PhD in Sociology at the University of Western Australia.

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Published

2013-05-05

How to Cite

Glance, D. G., Forsey, M., & Riley, M. (2013). The pedagogical foundations of massive open online courses. First Monday, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v18i5.4350

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Articles