A comparison of MOOC development and delivery approaches

Author(s):

Neil Smith, (Department of Computing and Communications, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK)

Helen Caldwell, (School of Education, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK)

Mike Richards, (Department of Computing and Communications, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK)

Arosha Bandara, (Department of Computing and Communications, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK)

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Single Sentence Summary:

This paper presents a comparison of two ways of developing and delivering massive open online courses (MOOCs) and reveals that the MOOCs on existing large platforms reaches thousands of people, but constrains pedagogical choice.

Abstract:

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison of two ways of developing and delivering massive open online courses (MOOCs). One was developed by The Open University in collaboration with FutureLearn; the other was developed independently by a small team at the Northampton University.

Design/methodology/approach

The different approaches had very different profiles of pedagogic flexibility, cost, development processes, institutional support and participant numbers.

Findings

MOOCs on existing large platforms can reach thousands of people, but constrain pedagogical choice. Self-made MOOCs have smaller audiences but can target them more effectively.

Originality/value

This comparison shows that, several years after MOOCs became prominent, there are many viable approaches for MOOCs.

Keywords:

Distance learning, Computer-based learning, E-learning, Open learning

Type:

Research paper

Publisher:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Received:

15 September 2016

Revised:

24 January 2017

Accepted:

01 February 2017

Acknowledgments:

The MOOCs were developed by a large number of staff at The Open University and the University of Northampton. They include Belinda Green, Anna Cox, Jean Edwards, Jim Atkinson, Kim Calvert, Nicki Wise, Robert Farmer, Wayne Chalmers and Sway Grantham. The authors thank them all for their valuable contributions.

Copyright:

© Emerald Publishing Limited 2017
Published by Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only

Citation:

Neil Smith, Helen Caldwell, Mike Richards, Arosha Bandara, (2017) "A comparison of MOOC development and delivery approaches", The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 34 Issue: 2, pp.152-164, https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-09-2016-0047

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