Problem-based learning in a MOOC: Exploring an innovative instructional design at a large scale

Abstract

This paper describes a MOOC about PBL which is designed -as far as possible in the setting of a MOOCin line with modern learning principles that are also at the basis of PBL: constructive, contextual, collaborative and self-directed learning: Problem-Based Learning: Principles and design. Students at the centre! The course is centred around a set of authentic 'problems' organized in three different tracks (tutoring, designing, and implementing PBL) targeted at different types of participants. Small group work is essential in this MOOC. Students can either form teams themselves or be assigned to a team automatically. Each team has team space with chat facilities, file exchange, and facilities to schedule online meetings. However, teams can decide themselves how they want to collaborate and communicate, synchronously or asynchronously. A pilot study brought forward strong and weak points, which were used to further improve the design. This paper describes the pilot study, the changes made in the design and some first impressions of the first run of the MOOC. Preliminary conclusions are that MOOCs require careful instructional design. Stimulating online small group learning in a MOOC, i.e. following PBL learning principles to an extent but without tutors for each team, is possible, but not easy.