We adapted the structure and tools of an online platform to fit the needs of each MOOC.
4. Make sure there is interaction between everyone
One of the keys to student retention and successful completion of MOOCs is to generate interactions with students. That includes interactions between course teams and students, as well among the students themselves. The interactions can be in the form of discussion boards, group activities, peer-review evaluations, social media, live sessions including seminars/lectures, and office hours.
The idea is to build and engage a learning community that will take ownership and responsibility for the course. Interactions, however, are easier said than done. As there are thousands of students involved in a single course, having meaningful interactions can be a challenge.
The dos & don’ts of MOOCs
Mastering MOOCs is an iterative process of trial and error. From experience, I can share the following lessons.
Dos:
- Start all MOOCs from scratch.
- Create courses with reasonable demands for effort and time spent, since most MOOC participants are part-time students.
- Apply various methods for delivering the course to allow for a diversity of learning strategies among students.
- Use asynchronous content and a range of time zones to allow all students to participate and maximize their opportunity to engage in your course.
Don’ts:
- Convert and deliver a course taught onsite to an online platform.
- Expect the same level of engagement for MOOCs as an on-site course.
- Use only one methodology to deliver the course materials.
- Limit your course to a specific time zone, as that limits the engagement of students from a global perspective.
Ultimately, the best classroom experience is a productive learning experience. That also applies to MOOCs. The course content and its delivery will determine a student’s interest and dedication to completing the course. Teaching with MOOCs can combine traditional modalities in the onsite classroom, as well as the technology and innovation of the online environment.
Satesh Bidaisee is a professor of public health and preventative medicine and assistant dean for graduate studies at St. George’s University in Grenada. He teaches the “One Health, One Medicine: A Sustainable Approach” MOOC at St. George’s University.
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