Group work can provide meaningful learning, in the right context with the support of a sound instructional strategy. The example here from the class, Fundamentals of Online Education: Planning and Application demonstrates why a sound strategy is needed, and what happens when one is lacking. MOOCs require a unique instructional strategy, one that is different from small online courses. What exactly the strategy to follow is under discussion. It is through the courses, such as this one that institutions can learn what works and does not. I give the instructor credit for trying something new, and investing the time and energy she has done which is considerable.
Ted O'Neill on 14 Apr 13Read this if you wish to set up a MOOC. Martin Hawksey @mhawksey goes through an extended explanation of choosing WordPress to run a MOOC. Comments are also worth reading.