3.+MOOCs+vs.+non-MOOCs

Presentation
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Narrative: MOOCs and non-MOOCs Learning Environment Attributes

 * MOOCs differ from traditional courses (non-MOOCs) in several ways. Just considering the acronym alone, MOOCs offer a much larger class size (massive). Where traditional courses typically see registration numbers in the dozens, MOOCs commonly see hundreds to hundreds-of-thousands – a virtually unlimited class size. They are open, meaning there is no necessary prerequisite, no need for official transcripts, and no limit to those interested in joining.


 * There is typically no or very little cost to take a MOOC. Traditional courses have a set duration whereas MOOCs are self-paced to a set duration. MOOCs offer traditional and non-traditional subjects for study.


 * Non-MOOCs are accredited; MOOCs are usually not. Some MOOCs provide the opportunity to earn badges or certificates of completion. MOOCs are not always assessed. When they are, the assessments are automatically graded or peer-reviewed for evaluation. MOOCs are not always facilitated. Most often, learners study the content with no real-time guidance. With MOOCs, the learner can choose his or her level of participation.


 * This is not the case with traditional courses. MOOC content is always available online, whereas non-MOOCs offer classes either online, in the classroom, or a hybrid of the two. Lastly, MOOC content is either centralized or distributed; traditional class content is usually centralized.

Comparison of MOOCs and non-MOOCs

 * Characteristic || MOOCs || Non-MOOCs ||
 * Always Cost $ ? || No || Yes ||
 * Large class size? || Yes || No ||
 * Open enrollment? || Yes || No ||
 * Self-paced to set duration? || Yes || No ||
 * Non-traditional subjects? || Yes || No ||
 * Accredited? || No || Yes ||
 * Always assessed? || No || Yes ||
 * Always facilitated? || No || Yes ||
 * For credit? || No || Yes ||
 * Choice of participation level? || Yes || No ||
 * Only online delivery? || Yes || No ||
 * Sometimes distributed content? || Yes || No ||

Let's look at a MOOC

 * Click this link which exhibits several characteristics of MOOCs. @https://www.coursera.org/course/gamificationThis MOOC uses the Coursera platform and is from the University of Pennsylvania. Watch the Intro video on the right side of the main page. Notice some of the characteristics that clearly define it as a MOOC. It is free, you have a choice of how much you will participate, enrollment is open with no strict prerequisites, is not-for-credit (though one can receive a statement of accomplishment upon successful completion), students present self-created videos and evaluate their peers and content is delivered online. What other characteristics do you notice?

Let's look at a non-MOOC

 * View this example of a non-MOOC/traditional course: @http://www.purdueonlineprograms.com/ldt/learning-design-technology In pursuing further information, a call with a representative reveals that the classes are of high cost, limited enrollment/class size (maximum enrollment of 25), while asynchronous, the classes require weekly deadlines, they are accredited, the facilitators provide direct feedback, require participation, and the content is centralized.

Practice
Sort the characteristics of learning environments into MOOCs and non-MOOCs Sorting Activity

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