What is Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)

With no restrictions on enrollment, a massive open online course (MOOC) is a concept for distributing educational materials online to anybody who wishes to enroll. Students from all over the world have access to and can pay to take Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These online courses are offered by a number of well-known universities, such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, on a range of subjects and at various academic levels. You can enroll in a single course to learn in-depth about a particular subject or a series of courses to obtain a thorough understanding of a field of study.

MOOCs are contemporary online courses that are mass (many participants at once), open (available to all), and in a course format (with video lectures and integrated tests). A MOOC could be less structured or be modeled after a college or university course. Although they don’t always grant academic credits, these courses could lead to a certification, better job prospects, or even further education. MOOCs are typically used to advance one’s education and career. However, many public school systems and undergraduate degree programs have adopted MOOCs as the new norm as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Instead of participating in live classes, self-paced learning involves watching recorded lectures and webinars. You also communicate with classmates and instructors asynchronously via message boards. Weekly assignments might be given, and depending on the MOOC, they might be graded using a predetermined rubric by other students. A different well-liked method of assessment is auto-graded quizzes.

A full university course might be taught online, making it available to everyone in the world, and this is the idea behind MOOCs. Education from prestigious universities was to be “democratized” in this way. Everyone who is motivated to study, from Alabama to Zanzibar, should have access to a high-quality education, not just a select group of university students in industrialized nations.

MOOCs provide students and professionals the chance to continue their education outside of a conventional university setting at a time when retraining and upskilling are the norms. In alphabetical order, this guide lists 10 well-known MOOC providers. You will learn more about the networking, educational, and credentialing capabilities of each platform. The manual also discusses collaborations between academia and business.

Table Of Contents

Two main types of MOOC

MOOCs can either be:

Asynchronous, in which people can join and follow the course at any time, means that at any given time, some people will be just beginning the course while others may be halfway through or even finished.
Synchronous, in which everyone on the course is following the same elements or modules of the course at the same time.

There are generally thought to be two distinct types of MOOCs:

xMOOCs.
cMOOCs.

1. xMOOCs

Extended Massive Open Online Courses, or xMOOCs. Universities and other educational institutions that contribute significant research-based content and background to the online learning content typically provide the content for xMOOCs. Because they don’t have any teacher-student connections and only have a small amount of student-student interactions, critics contend that xMOOCs are inferior to the university courses they imitate. Examples of xMOOCs can be found on websites like edX, Coursera, and Udacity that provide xMOOCs.

2. cMOOCs

Connective Massive Open Online Courses, or cMOOCs, are Massive Open Online Courses that share digital online learning environments and aspects and are linked to one another in various ways. According to proponents of MOOCs, in a cMOOC setting, students independently develop these conceptual and technical skills. Ivan Illich’s concept in Deschooling Society (1971), which considers institutions to be insufficient for disseminating universal education and calls for self-directed learning through social webs, serves as the theoretical underpinning for cMOOCs. A connected MOOC places a strong emphasis on this idea. It is a social platform for sharing and developing knowledge cooperatively among a group of individuals.

Market stats of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)

Over the past five years, MOOCs have become increasingly popular in India among professionals and students, particularly those in the technology and engineering fields who find it challenging to keep up with the disruptive and ever-changing world of technology. India invested more than 33 million dollars in SWAYAM, according to the class central MOOC report for 2019. The platform is open, and SWAYAM courses can be taken for no additional fee. Additionally, by 2021, India wants to increase national higher education enrollments to 30%. India, which has 35 million users overall, has the second-highest percentage of users on the Coursera platform behind the United States, according to Coursera.

The market for massive open online courses is now estimated to be worth roughly US$ 9.13 billion, but it is expected to soar at a CAGR of 16.7% to reach US$ 31.3 billion by 2030.
In 2021, the massive open online course (MOOC) market held 4% of the worldwide e-learning market.
The market for massive open online courses worldwide had considerable growth from 2015 to 2021, recording a CAGR of 14%.
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused the worldwide massive open online course (MOOC) business to grow quickly. Over the past ten years, the global digitalization boom has contributed to the growth of the MOOC market.
The G20 Summit took place on June 29–30, 2019, in Osaka, Japan, and brought together the heads of the world’s most powerful economies.

FMI analysis shows that the difference between the BPS values seen in the market for massive open online courses in H1 2022 – Outlook over H1 2022 Projected indicates a 17-unit increase. Since the epidemic, there has been an upsurge in demand for online learning platforms because of remote working scenarios. As a result, the market for massively open online courses is expanding.

Mezzomedia reports that in South Korea in 2019, 44.6% of people used social media (blogs, cafes run by Naver, Daum), and 43.66% used portals for online learning. Around 36.7% of respondents to a mezzomedia study performed in South Korea in 2019 claimed to spend two to three hours per day learning online. This demonstrates that when Korean is used more frequently at all levels, people are more interested in learning other languages through an online platform. As a result, they choose MOOC as the platform because it offers a variety of easily accessible and doable topics. Additionally, prestigious institutions of higher learning in the nation, including Seoul National University, provide MOOC courses that are beneficial in a variety of subjects, including business, politics, natural science, technology, and the arts.

How do MOOCs work?

Learning how online learning operates is practically a need as more and more of the world moves online. The pandemic has intensified distance learning and taken students off of campus for classes. Numerous educational programs support people and enterprises who operate remotely. Online lectures are fueled by videos, articles, and discussion boards. Overall, the experience will be similar to taking conventional classes with textbooks, a syllabus, and scheduled exams. Be mindful of your own time management, participation in group projects, and internet access.

MOOCs are online classes that a student can access online. These courses often consist of traditional course content made available online, such as the following:

1. Filmed or recorded video lectures:

According to studies, video learning benefits students on several levels, including motivation and learning depth, and it can particularly affect their capacity to lead discussions and spot issues. Both sides of the classroom can benefit from video learning, and teachers can use it to set up time and space for it. The ability to reuse and change videos after they have been made frees up classroom time for in-person interactions and conversations with students.

The understanding and retention of new information are greatly aided by the use of both visual and aural clues. According to James McQuivey, an analyst with Forrester Research, one minute of video is equivalent to almost 1.8 million written words. Thus, when the video is used in the classroom, students are compelled to exercise critical thinking when exposed to challenging material.

By enabling both general and special education teachers to instruct pupils at their own pace, video can help close this training gap. To acquire and remember information, students can watch a video numerous times. Additionally, kids who are deaf can read the video’s captions.

2. Problem sets:

MOOCs incorporate social networking, and readily available online resources, and are facilitated by top experts in the subject matter. The engagement of students who self-organize their participation based on learning objectives, prior knowledge and abilities, and shared interests is what MOOCs capitalize on most.

3. Online quizzes and examinations:

MOOCs are designed after courses already offered at colleges or universities. The MOOC does not feature online tests like quizzes and examinations. The MOOC can’t be paired with other learning or employment. Courses are open-ended; you can begin right away and go at your own speed. free registration and the fact that many MOOCs provide credential programs. Share your thoughts and ideas with your fellow students. The deadlines can be adjusted to fit your schedule.

4. Interactive learning modules:

The self-directed, anytime, anywhere nature of MOOCs is another appealing feature; participants can progress through the materials and topics at their own pace without the need for guidance or help. The training schedule for a MOOC typically comprises 10 to 12 courses with 10 to 15-minute long modules. Each course comes with a presentation page and an achievement certificate.

5. Interaction with other students via forums:

The amount of research on both the discussion forums and online reviews for massive open online courses (MOOCs) is minimal, despite several studies that have looked at each independently. This paper offers research hypotheses based on the self-determination theory that suggests MOOC learning progress has a direct impact on MOOC online reviews as well as an indirect impact via social interactions in discussion forums. Data from students who engaged in the MOOC discussion forum and offered online ratings of MOOCs between August 2016 and December 2019 was taken from the most popular course, “Machine Learning,” on Coursera, the largest MOOC platform.

Finding MOOCs

Online courses that are offered to everyone for free are called MOOCs. Massive open online courses, or MOOCs, can have tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of students, enrolled.

Massive due to the fact that enrollments are unrestricted and may reach hundreds of thousands.
Open because there is no admissions process and anyone can enroll.
Online given that they are supplied online.
Course because their aim is to instruct students in a particular subject.

Most MOOC providers are universities, while some are also corporate organizations. Leading suppliers of online courses include prestigious colleges and universities like Stanford, Harvard, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, businesses like Microsoft and Accenture offer publicly accessible online courses. Make sure the MOOC fits with the student’s academic and professional objectives before choosing one to enroll in.

Despite the fact that universities are the ones that produce MOOCs, they seldom ever offer them themselves. Instead, they rely on institutions offering courses like:

Coursera
edX
FutureLearn
Udacity

Therefore, students actually enroll in MOOCs on those platforms as well as others. Some MOOCs have an open enrollment policy. Others begin on a consistent basis, such as every few weeks or months. Some are infrequently available, occasionally making a comeback after a year. Eventually, some stop being provided at all. While some MOOCs are self-paced, allowing you to move through them at your own pace, others follow a set schedule:

It’s possible that some course materials won’t be accessible right away. Instead, it is released in pieces each week, which forces students to take their time.
Assessments could have due dates to keep students from falling behind.
MOOCs are flexible because you can study day or night, even when they entail a schedule.

MOOC Pross, enrollment, and pacing

The MOOCs Pros:

Massive open online courses provide a variety of advantages, including bite-sized, adaptable, and economical study options. Perhaps you are creating your own website and need to improve it with some interactive user components. Therefore, the course material is created through online conversation and collaboration from students around the world, as opposed to having pre-planned reading assignments. In a manner, you build as you go, and it’s a terrific opportunity to meet other students.

The major benefits are –

Get a taste of what a full degree program is like.
Courses are open-ended; you can begin right away and go at your own speed.
Free registration and the fact that many MOOCs provide credential programs.
Share your thoughts and ideas with your fellow students.
The deadlines can be adjusted to fit your schedule.
Free previews are available for the course materials and the curriculum.
At prestigious universities, experts in various fields provide interactive courses.
Be aware of the time commitment needed for a course.
Through a social networking site, you can get knowledge from your peers.
There is no charge to enroll in the course.
The course material for MOOCs has been chosen by prominent professors at universities and is recommended by them.
Allows you to learn other languages, which implies that since MOOCs also offer language-based learning, they help students become ready for admission exams in many languages.

It is true that MOOCs are available for everyone who cannot attend normal courses owing to time or financial restrictions, yet such courses give entrance to everyone. There are occasions when the course you wish to take is not offered at your college, in which case you must visit a MOOC provider to complete the course.

Pick a significant means You can assess yourself in a MOOC first if you are having trouble choosing a college degree. You will gain a first-hand understanding of the subject you wish to study in college as a result of this. Instead of picking that course in college and wasting your time and money, you can find out through a MOOC how intriguing that subject is.

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The MOOC Cons:

The fact that students are not interested in finishing the course is one of the main drawbacks. This is due to the fact that they lack the motivation to do so because they have not made any payments. It was discovered that several Massive Open Online Courses have substantial attrition rates. Only 15% of those who registered in such courses actually finished them due to the high dropout rate. The attrition rate was caused by the fact that students took courses in cohorts, meaning that if one dropped out, the others did as well. Since no college credit was offered, students were less motivated to finish the course, which is another reason why many didn’t finish.

It is not possible to force visually impaired students to take such courses.
The tutor cannot provide the students individualized attention if they don’t understand a concept.
Such courses need less concentration from the students because they can simply browse the readings.
The course materials don’t contain any animation. Additionally, there is no introduction. Even though the course was advertised as being free, there were occasionally expenses associated with the necessary book readings that were recommended by the course designer.
There is no minimum age limit to enroll in a course. There is no minimum age limit to enroll, so you can study whatever you desire.

Enrollment and pacing

Costs can differ greatly in terms of both structure and price. Unlike online degree programs that include a collection of courses and can cost tens of thousands of dollars, many MOOCs are entirely free.

This typically varies depending on the kind of program or course. For instance, courses that are not offered for academic credit are often open to the public. But enrollment in online degree programs frequently necessitates a conventional admissions procedure. While MOOCs for certification may be self-paced or follow an abridged timetable, often only taking eight weeks to complete, courses offered for university credit and as part of online degrees typically tend to follow a standard semester plan.

Asynchronous courses are flexible, self-paced courses as opposed to synchronous courses, which call for live attendance and adherence to a set timetable.

Credentials and MOOC-based degrees

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) made bold claims about democratizing education and offering high-quality credentials at a fraction of the cost of traditional degrees when they initially caught the attention of major media outlets in 2011. MOOCs appeared too good to be true for a research institute like ours, which examines the efficiency of educational policies and practices. The idea of providing high-quality training on a large scale sounded ideal for cost-effective education. Our research, however, revealed that while it was possible to evaluate the cost side of the equation, it was considerably more difficult to quantify the advantages.

The authors created a study to look into the advantages and disadvantages for students taking a series of open, online courses that result in a nondegree credential because learners are now able to gain more substantial credentials and, in some cases, academic credits, through MOOCs.
One of the many things we learned about these institutions was how MOOCs aided in expanding their audience and enhancing educational accessibility.
Both domestically and internationally, helped them develop and preserve their brand.
Motivated numerous teachers to reevaluate their pedagogical approaches and try out novel ideas. This did, in fact, result in a few instances where student learning improved as was documented.
MOOCs can be utilized for degree programs and continuing education certifications. The six broad categories that MOOC certification levels commonly fall into are as follows:

1. Free:

Although usually meant for auditing, these courses are entirely free. The choice to purchase an official certificate of completion at the end of the course is still available to students.

2. Certificates:

Individual course completion certificates can cost anywhere between $20 and $300, with the typical cost falling between $50 and $100.

3. Micro credential:

Three to six courses make up most micro-credential programs. The average cost of micro certificate programs is $946, according to EdX, a well-known MOOC platform. They typically have a specific skill or competency and a focused focus.

4. University credit:

These university-accredited courses are comparable to online courses at degree-granting universities. This level’s individual courses can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

5. Online degree:

Online degree programs offer a comparable amount and complexity of coursework to masters or continuing education degree programs at universities. Online degree programs often follow the same application and admissions procedures as traditional schools and cost between a few thousand and tens of thousands of dollars.

6. Corporate training:

MOOCs for corporate training is used at the corporate level. This payment option is often set up as an access fee per user.

We should reevaluate if and how learners are benefiting from these programs now that they can obtain a more substantial credential—and, in some circumstances, academic credit—by completing a series of MOOCs. We postulated that students could benefit academically from spending more time studying a subject in-depth as well as from taking part in more challenging projects and tests.

In terms of a student’s profession, the certification could indicate to prospective or present employers that the learner is driven by their own interests, tenacious, and has mastered a sizable body of knowledge and abilities. To put these theories to the test, we created a study to look into the advantages and disadvantages for students participating in a MOOC series that offers a concluding, non-degree credential.

Benefits of MOOCs

By allowing anybody to enroll in the courses –

MOOCs may have the philosophical advantage of turning higher education into a public good.
MOOCs offer the chance to interact openly and globally with other students.
the capacity to experiment widely with teaching techniques.
The typical student behavior data collected by MOOCs include information on motivation, online interaction, teamwork, and learning habits.
Positive pedagogical disruption in the higher education and high school levels.
Can be useful in a flipped classroom situation.

The major benefits include –

No physical location dependence
Improved access to higher education
Affordability of higher education
Flexible learning schedule

1. No physical location dependence:

Removing the daily trip for students, can enhance collaborative efforts and save time. Social isolation is also made possible through online education.

2. Improved access to higher education:

Access to high-quality education in developing nations can ultimately improve quality of life and support efforts to promote sustainable development in addition to being a matter of convenience. This is because it creates a high-quality, accessible learning infrastructure.

3. Affordability of higher education:

These courses are more affordable than in-person courses of equivalent scope due to their scalability.

4. Flexible learning schedule:

Numerous courses are self-paced, allowing for flexibility around students’ job schedules. Pre-recorded lectures can provide additional freedom on a daily and weekly basis even if the completion of the course is not self-paced, as with online degree programs.

Drawbacks of MOOCs

The major challenges for MOOCs are –

They are not a magic bullet for schooling.
They are not yet sufficiently developed to offer comprehensive peer assessment methodologies, strong business income models, sustained retention rates, good pedagogical design, or resolution for plagiarism and cheating.
There are frequent worries about technical issues with the actual platforms that MOOCs are presented on.
Questions with multiple choices are frequently used in assessments.
Those enrolled get the chance to produce a research paper infrequently or never.
Participants find it challenging to establish a rapport with the professor.
Given that MOOCs frequently don’t have an appropriate instructional design, it frequently mimics the stage situation.
The writers also stress the importance of adhering to standard practices for instructional design.

Along different benefits, it also has its own drawbacks –

Flexibility can make managing the course more challenging because some students need the rigidity of in-person instruction.
According to a University of Texas study, MOOC completion rates are only 6.8%, much lower than those for traditional classroom-based courses. A free online course might not compel students to enroll as much as a fee-based in-person course would.
Fewer people can reach the instructors.
Effective usage of the internet requires digital literacy.
Relationships between students and instructors are less likely to develop.
It’s possible that students with hearing or vision impairments won’t be helped.
Strong internet connections are needed for courses, which might be problematic in underdeveloped nations and disadvantaged areas.
There may be a paradox of choice while choosing the proper course due to the abundance of identical courses in fields like computer science that are oversaturated. Check out the list of top mobile app development companies with us for your upcoming business needs.

Popular MOOCs

Because they have made such a significant contribution to the availability of educational and instructional content online, MOOCs have become extremely popular. Online technology is now employed for education, following precedents like eCommerce in the retail sector and YouTube in the entertainment sector.

The largest MOOC systems were all developed in 2011–2012 at prestigious American universities. Professors Anant Agarwal from MIT (edX), Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng from Stanford (Coursera), and Sebastian Thrun from Stanford were significant pioneers (Udacity).

Example MOOC course structure

MOOC courses typically adhere to a general framework. Courses are often divided up into modules even if the curriculum and progression are the same as with normal in-person classes. A lesson or a unit for a class is contained in a module. Each module often consists of a mix of lectures, readings, problem sets, interactive graphics and diagrams, and an end-of-module quiz or test. The course syllabus, required readings, video lectures, a problem set, and an automatically graded quiz might all be found in a typical module.

Of course, module length and depth can vary. Some courses could demand a bigger weekly time commitment and cover a lot of material quickly. Others might be more self-paced and simply need a few hours per week.

History of MOOCs

The term was created in 2008 by Dave Cormier of the University of Prince Edward Island for the online course “Connectivism and Connective Knowledge” offered by the University of Manitoba. Online enrollment in the course included 2,300 non-paying members of the general public in addition to 25 university students who paid tuition. A number of platforms, including the Moodle learning management system, blog entries, the Second Life online virtual world, and real-time online meetings, were used to enable participation. There were RSS feeds for the material.

The first significant repository of MOOC resources made public by an institution was MIT OpenCourseWare in 2011. In order to promote MOOCs, MIT and Harvard launched the EdX program in 2012. To rhyme with kook rather than the book, the acronym is said with a long oo sound. “MOOC” was added to the Oxford Dictionaries Online in August 2013.

Online courses have become more and more well-liked as a way for students to acquire technical skills as the demand for technology jobs has increased. The implementation of MOOCs as the new standard of education at all levels, from elementary school to undergraduate degree programs as part of remote learning plans, is being done as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

What’s the business model of MOOC providers?

When course participants choose to purchase the optional certificate in addition to the video content, the MOOC platforms typically make money. It normally costs money to do this. The “Freemium” model, which is popular on the internet and pairs free content with a paid supplementary service, helps MOOC providers pay their bills. The largest platform’s (Coursera) revenue is predicted to be in the mid-double-digit US million level.

Some MOOC platforms additionally provide specific course series that are solely available for a fee (mostly for professional development). The suppliers are still experimenting with various business strategies. Universities and other content producers frequently use MOOCs as a marketing platform without having any explicit financial objectives. They are able to connect with prospective students from all over the world through their online courses. A university or institution might also highlight its unique expertise in a certain field or issue.

What are the best MOOC platforms to take online courses?

Instead of attending live classes, self-paced learning involves watching recorded lectures and webinars. You also communicate asynchronously with classmates and instructors using message boards. Weekly tasks may be graded by other students using a predetermined rubric, depending on the MOOC. Another well-liked assessment method is the use of auto-graded quizzes.

Different sites are –

Canvas Network.
Cognitive Class.
Coursera.
edX.
FutureLearn.
Iversity.
Kadenze.
Khan Academy.
Udacity.
Udemy.

1. Canvas Network:

The professional development courses offered by Canvas Network are tailored specifically for teachers, school administrators, and other education professionals. Leading and using assessment in student affairs, assisting women in STEM disciplines, and research data management for librarians are some of the topics covered. Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and English-speaking students get access to MOOCs.

The majority of the online classes offered by Canvas Network are free and self-paced, similar to other platforms. Open license choices give educators the freedom to freely share and reuse content and include third-party solutions for their own needs. With this benefit, teachers can create and manage their own MOOCs to support conventional classroom learning.

2. Cognitive Class:

Formerly known as Big Data University, IBM’s Cognitive Class program aims to promote data literacy by offering free courses to both novices and seasoned IT professionals. Users are able to work at their own leisure without being held to a finishing deadline. These MOOCs include a range of topics, such as Python for data science, reactive architecture, and digital analytics and regression.

As an alternative, students can sign up for more generic learning routes and enroll in a series of lectures covering broad topics like deep learning and Scala programming. Beyond pre-recorded lectures, Cognitive Class offers students a virtual lab setting where they may apply what they have learned. Candidates can earn verified digital badges in place of certificates, which represent transferable and sector-wide forms of recognition.

3. Coursera:

One of the major global providers of massive open online courses, Coursera was established in 2012 by two Stanford professors. The platform collaborates with 190 businesses and universities to offer fully online, self-paced learning opportunities leading to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate digital credentials. With 87 percent of consumers claiming career benefits, Coursera has a high user satisfaction rating.

Over 3,900 courses and specializations covering topics including business, computer science, physical science and engineering, the arts and humanities, and foreign languages are available in the catalog. Through its partner universities, Coursera also provides reasonably priced online degrees. The University of Illinois offers a master of science in accounting, and Imperial College London offers a global master of public health.

4. edX:

edX is a different well-known MOOC platform that was developed as a joint venture between Harvard and MIT. More than 2,500 courses are available to students from 140 institutions of higher education, covering well-known subjects like data science and the humanities. The platform also provides cybersecurity, front-end, full-stack programming, and computer science classes in Python.

Educators and technologists can freely improve their MOOCs by incorporating technology that serves the unique needs of their students’ thanks to the open-source learning platform used by edX. Through the MicroMasters and MicroBachelors programs, students can obtain college credits in addition to professional certifications. Additionally, edX offers fully online graduate degrees, such as master’s degrees in marketing, nutritional sciences, and supply chain management.

5. FutureLearn:

12 university partners, including King’s College London and the University of Leeds, formed FutureLearn, a provider of massive open online courses, in the United Kingdom in 2012. To acquire new skills in subjects including digital product management, ecology and animal science, and the future of globalization, students can finish one of 418 short courses. They could also get micro-credentials from prestigious colleges and well-known businesses.

FutureLearn furthermore offers affordable online academic programs that let candidates obtain a bachelor’s of arts in international business or a master’s of science in cybersecurity. Unlike other platforms, FutureLearn uses a narrative to frame its courses, and it provides weekly to-do lists to keep students on top of their assignments. A network of tutors is available to provide students with one-on-one support.

6. Iversity:

Iversity, a Berlin-based company, collaborates with numerous businesses, NGOs, and universities to offer more than 60 courses in English, German, and French. With the aid of web designers and UX developers, the platform upholds industry standards, assuring the greatest levels of usability and student engagement.

As part of its “diversity for Business” mission, the organization also provides corporate training services. Traditional MOOCs or hurried “Espresso” classes on topics including data-driven marketing, global labor standards, and climate change and health are available to students. Additionally, Iversity provides pricey “Pro” intense courses to applicants. Bundling “Pro” classes allow students to save money.

7. Kadenze:

With the help of 18 institutional partners, including Princeton University and the Rhode Island School of Design, Kadenze was established in 2015 as a for-profit business. This MOOC provider focuses on the performing and visual arts, creative technology, and other academic areas that have lagged behind because STEM education has taken center stage.

Students appreciate self-paced, mobile-friendly coursework that allows them to use expert portfolio tools to display their talents. Individual workshops on cinematic storytelling, project management for designers, and Ableton sound creation are available to users. While Kadenze provides the majority of its MOOCs without charge, students can pay to have access to in-depth reviews and other premium materials. Additionally, Kadenze provides specially crafted programs that let students focus on a certain subject.

8. Khan Academy:

Khan Academy Massive Open Online Courses

The organizational tenet of Khan Academy is that education is a fundamental human right. In order to achieve this, the platform provides totally free online courses that incorporate training videos, practice problems, and a unique learning dashboard. The Khan Academy, in contrast to many other MOOC providers, primarily serves K–12 students with pre-algebra, English language education, AP chemistry, and U.S. government and civics topics.

Additionally, students have access to study guides for standardized examinations including the SAT, ACT, GRE, NCLEX-RN, and even the Praxis exams. Khan Academy also provides resources for parents and instructors, enabling them to assign standards-aligned course materials and monitor student progress. Users can connect with students and teachers all over the world via networking tools.

9. Udacity:

A for-profit MOOC platform called Udacity focuses on job advancement through online courses in technical and vocational fields. Data science, cloud computing, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence are just a few of the six subject areas covered. Additionally, students can enroll in C++, Blockchain, and Android developer programming and development courses. Working professionals can also finish MOOCs that teach them marketing analytics and product management skills.

In addition to a wide range of course options, Udacity offers extensive employment services, such as individualized job counseling, advice on CV building, and LinkedIn best practices. Users can build thorough profiles and interact with top employers like Google and Mercedes-Benz through the Udacity Talent Program.

10. Udemy:

Udemy, the biggest online learning platform, offers more than 150,000 courses in 65 different languages. Although there are many courses available for free, many MOOCs charge a fee. Users can access services like direct messaging, Q&A, and certificates of completion by paying for premium content. There are 11 broad categories covered by the topics, which include photography, fitness, and workplace productivity.

Additionally, students can take banking and accounting courses to study the fundamentals of blockchain technology and bitcoin, as well as to hone their abilities in international market analysis. In addition, Udemy offers personal development courses that help customers deal with stress, boost their self-esteem, and forge lasting connections.

Conclusion

There was a lot of discussion about whether traditional colleges would disappear as a result of the free online courses during the start of the MOOC craze. Professors had also voiced their opposition to the anticipated delegitimization of educators brought on by MOOCs from selective colleges. Now that the enthusiasm has subsided. The use of MOOCs in teaching content to a sizable student body is seen as an extra technology instrument in contemporary education.

The “Open” part of the MOOCs’ names, along with content that required no licensing, were initially emphasized. Then closed licenses and different courses with the ability to register for a charge started to progressively appear. After successfully completing the course and maintaining a solid grade on all quizzes and assignments, these courses often offered a certification. Anyone can enroll and take those courses for free, and they still maintain their open nature.

As MOOCs became more well-known, numerous MOOC providers, like Coursera, Udacity, and edX, also began to appear. Along with these expanding providers, a lot of universities were drawn to the possibilities of MOOCs and joined the craze. Top-tier universities like Stanford, Harvard, and MIT are represented among many of these pioneering universities. They continue to give good service and courses accessible to all.

The digital revolution will undoubtedly continue at universities and will bring about a number of changes and opportunities. Reaching a geographically dispersed “long tail” of students in specialized fields for whom attending campus classes at a nearby college is not an option is possible with MOOCs. It is obvious that the growth of online education and the influence of technology on the classroom will continue. In the long run, it is unclear what function universities will play.

You can utilize MOOCs to enhance a college education or to learn totally new skills and knowledge because of how diverse they are. Working professionals who wish to learn specialized and technical skills to better their professions can also benefit from MOOCs. Last but not least, these online courses are a fantastic way to network with other students and business leaders around the world.