Learning Research: MOOCs

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are emerging as innovative educational solutions for the lifelong learner. If you are unfamiliar with MOOCs, I encourage you to view a great introductory video found here prior to watching the below video.

This video outlines some of the key ideas surrounding MOOCs as well as some of the advantages and disadvantages of this new learning frontier using CCK08 as a basis for discussion.



If you are interested in participating in a MOOC, you can register for the Change MOOC here, or you can register for the 2011 installment of the CCK (Connectivism and Connective Knowledge) MOOC here. In addition, the MOOC entry on Wikipedia is often updated when a new MOOC is being formed.

Resources:
de Waard, I. (2008). Explore a New Learning Frontier: MOOCs. Learning Solutions Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/721/explore-a-new-learning-frontier-moocs

Mackness, J., Mak, S.F.J. & Williams, R. (2009). The Ideals and Reality of Participating in a MOOC. Networked Learning Conference 2010, Denmark.

Learning Tool: Massive Open Online Course

This post is inspired by Edumooc 2011: Online Learning Today... and Tomorrow. This 8 week MOOC, started by Ray Shroeder at the University of Illinois Springfield, has over 2000 participants from all over the World, and can be found here: http://sites.google.com/site/edumooc/home

"Online Learning Today... and Tomorrow" covers weekly topics ranging from the open source movement to technology to personal learning networks. Weekly resources consist of a live, recorded presentation hosted by a panel of experts, a collection of blogs, articles, and online journals, influential Twitter profiles, and pertinent Twitter hashtags. In addition to weekly resources, there are also Wikispace and Skype discussions.

MOOCs provide not only the opportunity to learn, but also to network with industry professionals. #edumooc participants can be found on this Twitter list.

More MOOC resources:
EduMOOC 2001 EduMOOCosphere
Tektrekker's eduMOOC Central
Explore a new Learning Frontier: MOOC via Learning solutions Magazine

Reference:
Cormier, D. (2010) What is a MOOC. Video by Neal Gillis. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW3gMGqcZQc