Investigating MOOC platforms as a prospective tool for mobile learning

Abstract

The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provides new m-learning solutions for “learning-on-the-go”, packing in one educational content, pedagogical framework and community support. Reaching millions of users world-wide, the MOOCs have the potential to fully transform educational landscape. However, the spread of the MOOCs is still limited, the retention rate and the degree of completion is small and the MOOCs efficiency remain doubtful. Thus, the present research aims to make an overview of the recent developments in MOOCs and m-learning solutions to recommend strategies for prospective learning providers. Considering the opportunities, it investigates suitable approaches for learning institutions to design and deliver m-learning MOOCs that will empower learners’ experience. The paper is structured as follows. On first place, it makes an introduction to the MOOCs main concepts and identifies common features and classifications. Then, a short overview is made on the most popular MOOCs platforms. After that, the paper analyzes the MOOCs providers’ approaches, including learners, technologies, instructional design, factors of success and lessons’ learned of the MOOCs implementation. Finally, the discussion makes an overview of the steps and recommendations for implementing a successful MOOC.