It is a known fact that MOOCs are cheaper and more cost effective for individuals looking to complete courses without incurring much debt. One of the advantages of MOOCs is the ability to provide learning opportunities to students and individuals who may not otherwise have a chance. In a sense, I can see MOOCs having a positive impact on the economy as a result of more individuals trying to educate themselves, become more marketable in the workforce, and landing better jobs which will in turn produce upstanding citizens. Now we know that taking and completing a MOOC may not work or be desirable for some occupations, but depending on the MOOC taken, the knowledge and skill gained can be a great asset to an individual and potential/current employer.
Considering the structure of MOOCs and the ability for them to explode, I think they can potentially restructure and financially impact higher education. Costs can increase as institutions would have to consider the technology infrastructure needed to maintain a MOOC. Identifying tools, technologies, and strategies to increase the collaboration and interaction in a MOOC will also be a cost that institutions may have to address.
On the flip, higher education will have to consider how they will make money from the MOOC. In Holmes (2013) infographic, he lists some ways to earn revenue by requiring students to pay for certificates, allowing universities to pay for MOOC courses on their campuses, and offering paid support/resources option for students. Personally, I don’t see these avenues as great generators of revenue. At the same time, I see MOOCs as a promotion of a particular university’s resources, professors, etc. And if a student really likes the institution and the, he/she may consider applying for a degree program. If this is the case, the MOOC generated interest and served as a marketing tool. So, could the latter option be one reason why elite institutions are offering MOOCs. I sincerely doubt it. Maybe they feel the need to provide the community with opportunities to take a course at this institution. But I really don’t know. I’ve been wondering about that, but can’t seem to draw a rational conclusion. So, why do you think elite institutions are offering MOOCs?
Source:
Holmes, D. (2013). Infographic: How will the MOOCs make money?
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I think it all goes back to prestige. There is a positive societal perception of the elite institutions and their star faculty being the true purveyors of knowledge who utilize the most cutting edge technology and pedagogy by having their names associated with MOOCs in the media. I have a hunch the branding factor of the offerings is a larger factor than the sentiment of providing a quality-low cost education to the masses.
Jim
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think elite institutions are utilizing MOOCs to attract students to their institution in efforts to increase their enrollment. I think their use of MOOCs is just the beginning.
Hi Tasha,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. It's thought-provoking! I think you have hit on the question of the day...why are so many of the elite institutions offering MOOCS? Could be as Jim suggests about prestige. Or could be something else. Also it's interesting to me that it costs so much for them to produce a MOOC. Wondering how they will make some of that back...seems like they'll want to, anyway....
Hi Tasha,
ReplyDeleteI too see MOOCs as an avenue of self-promotion and a recruiting tool. If the student has a really positive experience, they may be interested in looking into online degree offerings with said institution or the college where the specific professor teaches.