Question- What are the important characteristics of MOOCs ?

Ans.

There are in all four important characteristics of MOOCs and they are:

(i) Use Web Formats : MOOCs heavily rely on web formats. Thus, the courses majority consist of Pre-recorded videos that are streamed by users. In order to create content tools, YouTube or Vimeo are commonly used. In order to create a virtual environment, thus MOOCs can also use live-streams. Sometimes, teachers also organise live sessions using tools like hangout or ustream. This opportunity thus enable the students to get in touch with the trainer directly and ask questions. MOOCs also offer meet-ups and in person get together. During such meet-ups, participants get to meet other course participants in their area which helps them to discuss course topics and also work on group projects.

(ii) Employ Collaborative Learning : One key aspect of MOOCs is their collaborative component. During a MOOC, everything possible is done to recreate the in-class experience. In order to encourage and develop collaboration, Facebook groups and meet-ups or peer corrections are used.

(iii) Allow Accessing of Knowledge : In addition to content design to convey knowledge, MOOCs offer tools to assess the transfer and retention of knowledge. Such tools make the courses more dynamic and interactive and generally take the form of multiple-choice exams, programmed texts or essay questions that are created automatically by teachers or by classmates. Also, MOOCs can offer certificates to those who complete the course.

(iv) Defined time-Limits : The final characteristics of MOOCs is the nation of time limitations. MOOCs have specified start and end dates. Course content is delivered sequentially each week. For the learner, the course work is spread over time. In this way, it seems like a series of mini events and allows for the creation of an effective communication strategy including teachers email updates etc.

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