The concept of open learning and MOOCs, before joining ONL202, was something that was completely new to me.
Being introduced to it in this way was an eye-opening experience, and the below reflection is what I have taken away from topic 2:
When this topic of “Openness” was introduced, I was very eager to understand the concept of what it actually entailed – so this started the journey through the recommended videos and readings.
First things first – what is meant by the word ‘OPEN’ in Open Education:
“Open education encompasses resources, tools and practices that employ a framework of open sharing to improve educational access and effectiveness worldwide. … By providing free and open access to education and knowledge, open education helps create a world to support learning.”
Source: https://www.openeducationweek.org/page/what-is-open-education
There are some very clear and distinct advantages and disadvantages of MOOCs as shown below:
The Advantages of MOOCs:
1. Courses are offered for free
2. Access to courses offered by professors at the top schools
3. Courses are available to a vast and diverse audience across the globe
4. Learners’ performance can be monitored easily using the data captured during the start of courses
5. Both professors and learners get world-wide exposure, thus improving pedagogical techniques and knowledge sharing
6. Can be used as a tool in a blended learning program, where students can access more information than what is provided in the class
The Disadvantages of MOOCs:
1. Can’t provide for personalized courseware and attention from a tutor
2. It is difficult to keep track of students’ assignments and involvement
3. Learners with disabilities and a poor Internet connection can’t use MOOCs
4. Language can be a barrier while offering MOOCs
5. MOOCs can’t be used as a credit-earning course at universities
Source: https://www.infoprolearning.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-moocs-massive-open-online-courses-for-learning/
In our PBL 15 group, we tackled this task in way that was maybe not expected, but it provoked thinking into the concept of “CONTENT” vs “CONTEXT”, and in doing so it opened a whole new aspect to me as well.
In our presentation of the topic: Breakfast in a Pedagogical Perspective, there was content placed into the presentation, but there was no context provided – this relates directly to one of the dangers of offering open courses – will the context need to have a fee attached to it? Is it meaningful without context?
I understand the concept of open learning and how it should work, however, I am inclined to think MOOcs may not be as feasible in countries who do not have the correct infrastructures in place to allow everyone the access to them, and also in the highly technical subjects.
Two of the biggest problems that resonated with me personally, is the that of:
- credibility, and
- the extent to education being open.
Surely there must be a point in time when open education is no longer open? I am thinking along the lines of the start of the course being freely open and available, but only to a certain point, and then what?
And at what point is a completely open course seen to be a credible source of education that one can use to apply for employment? Is there credibility to this?
In my opinion (coming from someone who is not all that familiar with open learning to the extent of making a factually based decision), open learning would work extremely well with soft skills which allow individuals to grow and develop certain skills, but would be incredibly challenging in completing a lengthy (or technically based) programme/course.
This certainly involves a lot more research and learning to understand this completely, and I look forward to constantly learning more about open education and how it can be used effectively
Resources:
OpenEducationWeek. What is Open Education. [online] Available at: <https://www.openeducationweek.org/page/what-is-open-education> [Accessed 09 November 2020].
InfoproLearning. 2020. The Advantages and Disadvantages of MOOCs for Learning. [online] Available at: <https://www.infoprolearning.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-moocs-massive-open-online-courses-for-learning/> [Accessed 09 November 2020].
