What is the MOOCs and higher education disruption?

Introduction

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been a topic of significant discussion in the context of higher education. Initially hailed as a disruptive innovation with the potential to democratize education and transform traditional learning models, the actual impact of MOOCs has been varied and complex. This synthesis explores the different perspectives on how MOOCs have influenced higher education and whether they have truly disrupted the sector.

Key Insights

Disruption and Democratization Potential:
- MOOCs were initially seen as a disruptive force capable of democratizing higher education by providing free access to high-quality courses from top universities, potentially creating new niche markets and revenue streams .
Challenges and Limitations:
- Despite their potential, MOOCs have faced significant challenges, including low completion rates, limited impact in less affluent countries, and a tendency to reinforce academic elitism by predominantly featuring courses from top American universities .
Sustaining vs. Disruptive Innovation:
- Some analyses suggest that MOOCs have not fully met the criteria of disruptive innovation. Instead, they may be better characterized as sustaining innovations that create new markets for learners not traditionally served by universities .
Business Model Evolution:
- Over time, MOOCs have evolved into a viable business model, often focusing on helping universities outsource their online master's degrees for professionals, rather than completely transforming the educational landscape .
Pedagogical Impact:
- While MOOCs have enabled universities to scale their reach globally, they have largely sustained existing learning practices rather than forcing significant pedagogical reconfiguration. The focus has often been on content delivery rather than addressing the real needs of 21st-century learners .

Conclusion

MOOCs have had a significant impact on higher education by broadening access and creating new opportunities for learning. However, their role as a truly disruptive force is debatable. While they have introduced new business models and expanded the reach of educational institutions, they have not fundamentally transformed traditional pedagogical practices. Instead, MOOCs have largely sustained existing educational models, with their most significant contributions being in the areas of accessibility and market expansion.

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What is the MOOCs and higher education disruption?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Disrupting and democratising higher education provision or entrenching academic elitism: towards a model of MOOCs adoption at African universities

MOOCs may not be as disruptive as they claim to be, as they often perpetuate academic elitism and entrench academic exclusion in African universities.

An adaptive hybrid MOOC model: Disrupting the MOOC concept in higher education

AhMOOC, combining social advantages of cMOOCs, organizational benefits of xMOOCs, and personalization, can improve current MOOC results and address diversity needs in a disruptive way.

Editorial: Massive open online courses (MOOCs): Disrupting teaching and learning practices in higher education

MOOCs are a disruptive technology in higher education, transforming teaching and learning practices by enabling online learning and allowing for flexible scheduling.

The MOOC pivot

MOOCs have shifted from disrupting higher education to helping universities outsource online master's degrees, with low completion rates and limited growth in affluent countries.

MOOCs, disruptive innovation and the future of higher education: A conceptual analysis

MOOCs may not be a disruptive innovation, but they may be a sustaining innovation that creates new markets for learners not currently served by universities.

The Disruption and Global Implications of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for Higher Education

MOOCs have evolved into a viable business model, disrupting higher education and potentially bridging the North-South divide, with global implications for education.

Moocs: Disruptive Innovation and the Future of Higher Education

MOOCs represent disruptive innovation in higher education, offering valuable insight into shaping the future of the field and guiding proactive engagement in shaping it.

Transitional Disruption or End Times: The Apocalyptic Possibilities of MOOCs in Higher Education

MOOCs may disrupt higher education by commoditizing content and credentialing, potentially leading to apocalyptic outcomes if not supported by effective community-engaged pedagogies.

From disruption to innovation: thoughts on the future of MOOCs

MOOCs have the potential to disrupt learning at scale and become exemplars for real educational innovation, focusing on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

When Will College Truly Leave the Building: If MOOCs are the Answer, What is the Question?

MOOCs may provide a less expensive substitute for face-to-face instruction and may disrupt traditional higher education methods, but colleges and universities should adapt to online learning and MOOCs to maintain their relevance.

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