Given the debate about the legitimacy of Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) as it relates to effective learning, the “failure” of the Coursera course – Fundamentals of Online Education was a hot topic days after it had to be suspended due to technical glitches and some confusion about the design of the class. I was enrolled in the course, my first MOOC course, and so I was disappointed the class could not continue. I was looking forward to the online learning experience with folks from countries such as India, Poland, South Africa and other parts of the U.S.
While critics of MOOC and articles such as this can certainly use this class as an evidence on the shortcoming of MOOC, I think it provides a huge potential for growth on how to proceed with designing and implementing online learning. I say potential because “failure” in itself does not lead to learning, but it does provide opportunities to reflect and improve on the instructional design and technologies. As a matter of fact, I think Coursera and other MOOC designers, after having to deal with criticisms and embarrassments, can point to this course as a positive milestone in the long run.
I was reading a book called Switch recently which talks about growth mindset. This is the mentality of accepting challenges despite the risk of failure. On the outside looking in, I can only imagine the infrastructure, resources, and thoughts that make MOOCs happen. Certainly, given the number of students participating in these courses and the sentiments filled with hyperbole from both opponents/supporters of MOOCs, mistakes and criticisms are magnified. However, personally, some of my biggest growth have come from what I considered at the time they happened as failures. I wrote in this post the value of making mistakes.
I have great respect for companies and instructors who are pushing the boundaries when it comes to exploring new ways of learning. I look at MOOC, not as a substitute for brick-and-mortar higher education institutions, but rather a supplement to accommodate the needs traditional universities cannot meet. I hope this course will be offered again and Dr. Fatima Wirth be given a second chance to share her expertise.
February 11th, 2013 on 9:00 am
Joe, as you know I was also in the course (HESA group). Nicely written..my sentiments exactly. I was amazed at the global reach and failures lead to success–example, Abe Lincoln comes to mind.
February 12th, 2013 on 10:28 pm
Hi Liz!
Thank you. Being a new MOOC student, the global reach was the one that really impressed me. I didn’t even think about this aspect of it before I joined. Yes, Lincoln would be a perfect example of perseverance. I’m glad he didn’t give up after all the defeats:)
Joe
February 12th, 2013 on 7:26 am
I wondered if this was the course you were enrolled in. I like your perspective on this – that it provides a chance for us to explore how to improve upon our mistakes. Nice post!
February 12th, 2013 on 10:27 pm
Thanks, Kristen! Definitely. If they use the feedback received from students and even critics to improve the course, I think it will even be so much better. Lessons learned here could definitely apply to future courses.