Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): A Comparative Analysis of the Main Platforms

Abstract

IntroductionA massive open online course (MOOC) represents a means to learning in an online environment which provides open access for unlimited participants, enabling more than traditional learning models and materials including recorded lectures, quizzes, interactive forums and communities [1]. The necessity for MOOCs came along with the digital era, the need of gathering knowledge at a fast pace and lifelong learning, therefore new approaches had to be considered to fulfil the learner's needs [2].The purpose of this analysis is to identify the main characteristics of this type of learning by comparing the most used open access learning platforms and the facilities they offer considering that they generate interest from different parties, not only universities but also business capitalists who can identify an opportunity worth exploring in this field. This is one of the main reasons why start-ups like Coursera have begun collaborating with well-known universities around the globe, others have decided to make their courses available online through a platform like edX and even large companies are considering to use a MOOC approach in the sector of higher education [3]. MOOCs promise to offer an alternative to higher education which breaks the pattern of known university-level education models, therefore it is important to explore the engine behind open online course platforms.Because massive open online courses have been recently introduced as a modern learning method, the field of research in MOOCs is in its early stages and the available literature analyzing MOOC platforms is relatively limited. The reviewed literature aims to uncover the features which determine the quality of an online course platform compared to another.From a general perspective MOOCs have a series of specific features that should be part of any platform that belongs to this area of education. In [4] five principles were recommended for designing a MOOC. The first one refers to the meaningful content provided by the platform in spite of its massive feature. This is achieved by avoiding large flows of ideas by keeping the topics on point, by using stimulating materials or examples shared by more experienced students on the discussion boards. The second principle is the engagement of the students who enroll, which represents a challenge also because of the size of the online courses which makes it impossible for instructors to have individual contact with all the students and influence their will to finish what they started. This can be accomplished with the help of traditional teaching techniques or with social engagement that can be provided through networked interaction forms such as forums or chat rooms. The measurement of the student's progress and the course's effectiveness represents the third principle. The online characteristic of MOOCs enables a correct evaluation of the course's efficacy. This principle is useful for both the student who can see his own improvement and the instructors who can improve their materials when these prove ineffective. The accessibility is yet another fundamental aspect of MOOC design since the education level of the students who enroll may vary from none (in matters of higher education) to PhD and the same goes for the extent to which they are familiar with the topic they want to tackle. Finally, the last principle is the scalability which refers to the ability to grow rapidly in size without making significant changes to the existing structure.When analyzing comparative studies about massive online platforms, more practical characteristics are discovered. One of the key aspects focused on by the research community is the learning theory applied. According to [5] the commonly used MOOCs of our time (Udacity, Coursera, edX, Udemy) fall into the xMOOC category which tends to adopt a traditional behaviorist model. They are regarded as the most widespread and popular MOOCs and for this reason they have attracted the most attention from the researchers. …