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Why are universities 'ripe for disruption'? Their mission has been undercut by (1) political demands for reform, (2) pressures to cut costs, (3) "smothering student debt loads", and (4) "mistaken priorities". The result has been the abandonment of good methods, disconnection from the community which gave it life, and the loss of central purpose. Enter the MOOC.

" Open Educational Resources (OER)"

Don't jump on the MOOC bandwagon just yet!

Its best not to see lecture and educational technology as either/or, bad/good. If educational technology does not improve lectures and teaching/learning in general in ways that nothing else can, then it should not be used. There is, however, lots of good brain and teaching methods research on which to base effective ways of using educational technology to improve student learning. I've got lots of it here in TLS, and part of our committee work could be to create a repository of this research and details of the associated educational technology methods that have been proven to work. Faced with research-based evidence, most instructors are willing to incorporate new methods.

I'm looking forward to starting my MOOC on Disruptive Technology through Coursera. Sure, a good lecture is great, but I like the prospect of watching a great lecture at home by the fire. Plus, I like the idea of getting content delivered to me by some of the most highly rated teachers/researchers in the world... for free at that!

"We are approaching a tipping point where education and educators can use technology to reach almost every person on the planet inexpensively. However, the result may not look like the conventional university experience we recognize today".

Ken, this could be a good thing, but difficult for traditional university educators to adjust to, perhaps more difficult for the educators than for the students. Just a thought.

A balanced search for a sustainable MOOC business model: "The reality is that online solutions are still underused by higher education, but we are left to wait for genuine innovation that is capable to provide alternatives in line with academic rigour, quality assurance and student needs in higher education. Students cannot be engaged by simple conversions of boring lectures into online videos that are even more boring, affected by clunky and poorly designed technological solutions and rigid platforms for discussions and 'forums'."

A possible speaker

Predictions for the Canadian higher education landscape

Archive of a 2012 MOOC created by George Siemens in D2L about changes being faced in higher education. Use the "Content Browser" (lower left) to scan each week's topics.

Proposed (and likely to be accepted) session at the upcoming Global STEMx Education Conference (fully online)

infographic

How will disruptive technology change education?

That's upping the ante! "Previously, Google tried online education with Course Builder, a free tool for building MOOCs; the company plans to fold that project into MOOC.org, which will live on Google servers. The company has pledged to devote its development expertise to MOOC.org's open-source platform, which will be called Open edX."

EdX seems to be using a more thoughtful and effective approach to MOOCs than is typical.

"Series authors were asked to consider the implications of the rise in online and blended learning on teaching, learning, the student experience and the physical infrastructure of campuses."

"Now facing significant enrollment declines and budget crunches, higher ed would be wise to continue embracing and adapting disruptive forces for its own good."

Interesting that this organization is planning to offer credits for these courses. That is one more step encroaching on the turf of established brick&mortar, as well as online universities.