Surviving the avalanche: Improving retention in MOOCs
Authors
Type
Conference proceeding
Journal Title
Book title
Realizing the Dream: Education Becoming Available to All. Will the World Take Advantage? Sixth International Conference of MIT’s Learning International Networks Consortium (LINC)
Publication Date
2013
Volume
Issue
Start page
End page
Publication Number of pages
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course) bring together, for the first time, high quality "ivy league" providers, online education and a low-cost model. The evidence to date, however, strongly suggests that any reasonable measure of learner engagement in MOOCs is underwhelming. This paper describes a model of online content development and delivery, known as COACT, which aims to ensuring that higher-order learning and reflection is embedded within the learning process and that, as a result, learner engagement is enhanced. The paper reports on the development and delivery of Ireland's first MOOC, "Exploring Irish Identity" using the COACT framework and will explore whether MOOC content developed in this format can improve learner engagement and retention.
Keywords
MOOC, COACT, engagement