A comparison of MOOC development and delivery approaches
International Journal of Information and Learning Technology
ISSN: 2056-4880
Article publication date: 6 March 2017
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
Acknowledgements
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.
Citation
Smith, N., Caldwell, H., Richards, M. and Bandara, A. (2017), "A comparison of MOOC development and delivery approaches", International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 152-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-09-2016-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited