Why Do Institutions Offer MOOCs?
ARTICLE
Fiona M. Hollands, Devayani Tirthali
Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks Volume 18, Number 3, ISSN 1939-5256
Abstract
By reviewing the literature and interviewing 83 individuals knowledgeable about massive open online courses (MOOCs), we investigate the goals of institutions of higher education that are currently developing and delivering such courses. We identify six major goals for MOOC initiatives: extending reach and access, building and maintaining brand, improving economics by reducing costs or increasing revenues, improving educational outcomes, innovation in teaching and learning, and conducting research on teaching and learning. Comparing these goals with the data being collected about MOOCs, their participants, and educational outcomes, as well as the resource requirements and cost drivers of the development and delivery process, we assess whether these goals are being met, or are likely to be in the future. While quantification of success in achieving these goals is for the most part lacking, we conclude that institutions are experiencing at least partial success in achieving each of these goals except for improving economics. We identify obstacles to fuller achievement of the goals and some potential solutions.
Citation
Hollands, F.M. & Tirthali, D. (2014). Why Do Institutions Offer MOOCs?. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 18(3),. Retrieved March 6, 2021 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/154185/.

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Keywords
Cited By
View References & Citations Map-
MOOCs and their Influence on Higher Education Institutions: Perspectives from the Insiders
Manuel Len-Urritia, Ruth Cobos & Kate Dickens
Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research (NAER Journal) Vol. 7, No. 1 (Jan 15, 2018) pp. 40–45
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Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) Behind the Scenes
Brenda Cecilia Padilla Rodríguez, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico; Alejandro Armellini, University of Northampton, United Kingdom; Viviana Carolina Cáceres Villalba, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico
Global Learn 2016 (Apr 28, 2016) pp. 359–366
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