This week our focus is on how we can classify MOOCs. Because of the layout and organization, MOOCs can be categorized into two categories: cMOOCs and xMOOCs. While both still are open and provide access to content with no restrictions, the difference between the two is in respect to the openness of the learning content and the learning process (Grünewald, Meinel, Totschnig, & Willems, 2013). cMOOCs engage learners, allow learners to construct their own learning, and shape the learning experience through their interaction and networking with others Grünewald, Meinel, Totschnig, & Willems, 2013; Siemens, 2012). The xMOOCs courses model the traditional online courses with recorded lectures, assignments, quizzes, etc. (Siemens, 2012). As you can gather, xMOOCs are more commonly found at colleges and universities because of their structure and format. As stated by Siemens (2012), cMOOCs focus on knowledge creation and generation while xMOOCs focus on knowledge duplication. A common example about cMOOCs vs. xMOOCs is in an xMOOC, you watch a video, in a cMOOC, you create the video. It's all about the connection!
There are pros and cons to both types of MOOCs. While most of us may be familiar with xMOOCs, I think a cMOOC will be a great experience and allow us to take a step back and re-evaluate the learning experience for most students. For me, a cMOOC can provide ideas on how to modify online courses so students can be creators of the knowledge once they connect with the course content, faculty, and peers.
The video below discusses what a MOOC is and also talks about how MOOCs can connect one with the learning experience through course activities.
Sources
Grünewald, F., Meinel, C., Totschnig, M., & Willems, C. (2013). Designing MOOCs for the support of multiple learning styles. In Scaling up Learning for Sustained Impact (pp. 371-382). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Siemens, G. (2012). MOOCs are really a platform. Elearnspace.
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteTo me, the difference between the two sounds a lot like the differences in research methods we have been studying in our mixed methods research class. The xMOOC fits well with the post-positivist theory, with great structure, and the cMOOC fits with the pragmatists theory, of what ever works best. What do you think?
Aww great point. I can definitely see how the cMOOC relates to pragmatists. Because what works for one student may not necessarily work for another. So each student has to find what works for him/her. I like how you are bringing the two together! :)
DeleteJames, great point! I think it goes back to the question of ontology and epistemology (what is reality and what is the nature of knowledge of it) which is related to both research philosophy (how do we gain knowledge) and learning theory (how do we learn/teach). If you buy the breakout of xmooc vs cmooc on learning theory, then yep I'd say xmooc is more positivist, while cmooc not so much (some question of what it might be...perhaps pragmatist but also perhaps social constructivism)
DeleteHi Tasha,
ReplyDeleteNice video choice. I see the benefits of both MOOCs and to some extent it will be learner preference. Your point of how the cMOOC can allow educators another source to review on knowledge construction is a good point. I think there is so much debate in general that we are missing how the outcomes research can help guide all online learning is overshadowed a bit.
HI Tasha,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your good post on the difference between xmoocs and cmoocs. I think you've done a nice job talking about the different learning theories. I think it's interesting that you think you'd prefer a cmooc! It seems that some of your classmates thought they might prefer an xmooc! I'll be interested to see what you think about the mooc you've enrolled in!
Hi There,
ReplyDeleteNice work on your blog post. I like the way you kept things quick, clear, and to the point.
I agree with you when you point out that cMOOCs are interesting to think about, because they give us an opportunity to step back and re-evaluate how we learn.
I also agree with you when you point out that cMOOCs could help us come up with ideas to help modify future courses.
-Matt Maurer