Looking at it from the other end of the spectrum, we can identify the value prior learning experience bring to the table. While all prior learning experience may be acceptable, attending a class has it benefits and usually can offer new ideas and knowledge. I’m not sure if a MOOC will offer those benefits, but the argument made by Fain (2012) is that students can sign up and complete a MOOC, complete a portfolio incorporating that prior learning experience, and have it reviewed for possible credit. Depending on the subject, that may work. But the infrastructure, resources, etc. must be in place for it to be successful and to determine if learning has taken place. As a result, standards must be set for how prior learning will be assessed and measured (Fain, 2012).
This concern leads to another concern - students having the ability to receive college credit. While there could be a variety of reasons a student seeks credit for completing a MOOC, the main reason most students will take a MOOC is to receive college credit toward completion of a degree. Others may choose to complete a course for credit for a job or to receive credit for prior experience (Krause, 2012). If the latter is the case, is credit important? Will a certificate of completion suffice? As stated in Kolowich (2013), many people who register for a MOOC already have a college degree. Before investing money into offering MOOCs for credit, it may be important to conduct a study to see why people are (or why would they) register and complete a MOOC.
Sources:
Fain, P. (2012). Making it count. Inside Higher Ed.
Kolowich, S. (2013). A university’s offer of credit for a
MOOC gets no takers. The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Krause, S. (2012). MOOCs and “prior learning assessment.”
Hi Tasha,
ReplyDeleteVery good point to determine why people take or will take a MOOC. This does seem to be putting the cart before the horse on debating credit, how and who will verify proficiency in the subject matter. Your point that many people in MOOCs already have degrees from our readings could point to why many are not seeking credit. And it could be that students are not taking MOOCs who are currently in college because the topics, titles are not an obvious match for their programs of study. It is hard to fathom a student passing on the opportunity to take a free course for credit!
I agree with you in that learning is in the hands of the learner, their efforts to learn and be proficient in the content of a course. We speak of teaching and learning and it is a two way process.
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteAs Juanita mentioned, you have a great point in trying to determine just how many, and for what types of courses, learners actually want credit. If you only survey completers, there might be a large group of students who would complete if they knew they could get credit but not complete knowing they can't. However, if you survey all prospective learners, your results could be skewed by people who would not actually complete either way. Moreover, the desire for credit would most likely be very course specific factoring in individual degree trajectories and curriculum.
Jim
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteYou made an excellent suggestion by stating that research on why people enroll in MOOCs should be done prior to making an investment. What if the majority enroll in a MOOC as part of a course assignment just as we did? Are we part of the research already on the completion rate of a MOOCs?
You mentioned a very good point that learning is mainly in the hand of learners. I do agree. It indicate that no matter what ways of learning you took, the essence is what you have learned. From this angle, the ways or platforms of learning is less important. That is true. But there is a problem here: how can people know your abilities just in a short time? They may through some certificates, and here, the ways and platform of learning may be considered.
ReplyDeleteHI Tasha,
ReplyDeleteThanks for a thought-provoking post! I love the idea of doing a needs assessment! It strikes me that doing one would be a huge task! Esp since MOOCs may well be tapping a new market (of folks with degrees who simply want to learn). But I think a survey of existing students would be doable!
I love the idea of portfolios, but doing them in a mooc seems daunting. I guess there's the peer/crowd sourced grading, but I suspect there's a reason so many use multiple choice tests. Much to think about!
Hey Tasha,
ReplyDeleteAgain nice post. :)
I like the question that you posed towards the end: "Will a certificate of completion suffice?"
I think depending upon what the individual learner and or employer are looking for a certification of completion may suffice. But for those that are looking to apply what the learned in a MOOC towards a degree, the certificate of completion will not suffice unless it can be cleared through the university.
I think the day that universities decide to grant college credit for MOOC courses could be near though. When that day comes students from a wide variety of backgrounds will be able to seek alternative ways of achieving their dream of earning a college degree.
-Matthew M Maurer