Group items tagged

Cao, M. (2014). Understanding learners' experience in MOOCs: a review of literature. Retrieved from http://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/handle/2152/26325 Abstract "MOOCs have become a popular topic in the educational field since 2008. This report reviews the literature from 2008 to March 2014 on the development of MOOCs with a focus on learners' experience. By looking into the topics researchers have been investigating, this review identifies eight themes on this topic: (1) Platforms and Technology, (2) Instructional Materials and Assessment, (3) Instructors, (4) Participants' demographics, (5) Motivation and Engagement Patterns, (6) Self-directed Learning and Learner Interaction, (7) Blended Education, and (8) Completion rates. The review also indicates that MOOC course design (pedagogies, technical support, assessment and instructors) and learner characteristics (motivation, engagement levels, self-directed learning and digital literacy) influence learners' experience. Possible future research questions are also proposed in this report." (p.1) This report is a literature review for a masters by a student at University of Texas at Austin. At the time of writing (March 2014) the author found relatively few references focusing on learners' experience in MOOCs from scholarly journals- 15 in total and she reported on them. These articles disproportionately analyzed cMOOCs as compared with xMOOCs and in both cases data was drawn from relatively early courses. Most references cover only one course. The report identifies 8 themes to categorize the articles' content: (1) Platforms and Technology, (2) Instructional Materials and Assessment, (3) Instructors, (4) Participants' demographics, (5) Motivation and Engagement Patterns, (6) Self-directed Learning and Learner Interaction, (7) Blended Education, and (8) Completion rates. Analysis shows that all these categories are inter-related and affect each other. The author identifies 5 areas for further r

Macleod, B. H., Haywood, J., & Woodgate, A. (2015). Emerging patterns in MOOCs: Learners, course designs and directions. TechTrends, 59(1), 56-63. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=452639d7-274a-43d4-9d76-6f20356bc6e1%40sessionmgr115&hid=111 Abstract "Engagement with Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) at the University of Edinburgh has emerged from its strategic priorities to explore and innovate in the area of online and technologically supported approaches to teaching and learning. This paper provides an account of analysis aimed at understanding who Edinburgh MOOC learners are, who elects to participate and the aspirations of that population, and the place that the MOOC will occupy in the University's online learning ecology. The analysis addresses a number of predictions that have been made about MOOCs since 2012, including their use for providing educational opportunities to the disadvantaged; global uptake of online learning; growth of an 'educational imperialism'; and the claim that 'MOOCs are for male geeks', and concludes with some observations about the University of Edinburgh's future plans in this space." (p.56) This is a peer reviewed academic article from TechTrends by University of Edinburgh. It analyzes the university's experience with MOOC learners after delivering 6 MOOCs on the Coursera platform, twice each. It presents analysis from 150K questionnaire respondents reflecting 600,000 enrolled learners. Some comparisons are made between the Coursera learners with newer platforms namely FutureLearn (UK) and Rwaq, a Saudi Arabian platform in Arabic. The sample of 20% of MOOC learners is considered representative of Coursera learners generally. Good graphics show results of an

Morris, N., & Lambe, J. (2014). Studying a Mooc : a Guide. Retrieved from http://www.palgrave.com/resources/Product-Page-Downloads/M/Morris-Studying-a-MOOC/Studying-a-MOOC-Neil-Morris-James-Lambe.pdf How-to "free" guide book from Palgrave to help anyone prepare themselves to study a MOOC course. As MOOCs tend to appeal to learners with good digital study habits already - this will bring less technically savvy people familiarity with MOOCs as well as people who are not used to studying in an online environment the essential information that they need to know about the online features. It is extremely clearly written, easy to follow, with good advice in each section and not too long. It covers the A-Z of MOOCs from the learner perspective. It provides really useful hyperlinks for finding courses. (The only information not given is related to the copyright issues for user content.) It is a 'first' as far as I can tell in this sort of study guide. It would be useful to younger students (say highschool level) who have never taken an online course before or to older learners (over 30) who have good study habits but are not familiar with digital technology and online communication methods and etiquette and want to learn how to participate in MOOCs including discussion groups, etc. before they start. I thought that it would be a useful resource prior to starting the MALET programme as it gives a lot of practical advice that is relevant to all online learning.

American youth are interested in civic engagement as well as in playing with media. A research team commissioned by MTV interviewed more than twelve hundred young people, conducted expert interviews and ethnographies, and took a national poll of a representative sample ages 12-24, between December 2005 and April 2006. The research found, 70% believing in the importance of helping the community, 68% already doing something to support a cause on a monthly basis and 82% describing themselves at least somewhat involved. From this data, it does seem that the majority of young people are convinced that civic engagement (i.e., supporting a social cause of some kind) is something they should be involved. However, there is a strong disparity between interest and involvement, an "activation gap" and there is significant room for growth.

Kizilcec, R. F., Piech, C. and Schneider, E. (2013). Deconstructing disengagement: analyzing learner subpopulations in massive open online courses. In Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge (pp. 170-179). New York, NY, USA: ACM. doi:10.1145/2460296.2460330 The abstract begins as follows: "As MOOCs grow in popularity, the relatively low completion rates of learners has been a central criticism. This focus on completion rates, however, reflects a monolithic view of disengagement that does not allow MOOC designers to target interventions or develop adaptive course features for particular subpopulations of learners. To address this, we present a simple, scalable, and informative classification method that identifies a small number of longitudinal engagement trajectories in MOOCs." This peer reviewed conference paper goes on to describe how they classified learners and using data analytics from 3 courses as well as survey data from learners they developed 4 classifications. Of these classifications in addition to those who completed the courses, the auditors were of interest. They proceeded to suggest possible areas where the MOOC approaches could be adapted and tested to meet the needs of learners such as auditors. They also considered ways of increasing access and equity.

Cyber safety and ethics in schools.

Mobile devices are now being used for learning as well, and true to their character, they are providing the much needed context in learning as well. Mobile learning provides the users with access to learning regardless of time and location. Networked mobile devices allow learners to learn collaboratively in groups.

Category: report, Abstract: The face of learning has changed. Over the past two decades, learning has evolved from traditional instructor-led classroom training to distance learning to e-learning to virtual learning environments and to massive open online courses. And, the face of learners has changed as well.

This article analyzes the concerns surrounding analytics from a sociocritical perspective. I will use this article to examine potential benefits of as well as pitfalls associated with analytics as well as the six principles proposed to address ethical issues in analytics.

A look at the history of Facebook regarding privacy concerns and user settings. Some very eye opening statistics regarding how many people have never modified their privacy settings as well as what Facebook has pushed through without permission and then had to readjust later after some pushback from consumers and governments.

A summary of 4 key findings regarding technology use in the US. Survey results and their implications are discussed as well as highlights on states that are successful in these areas.

An analysis of a principal's role in special education and how well equipped he, she, or they are to meet the ethical standards currently put in place