Success in a MOOC

Summary

In this video, Dave Cormier outlines five essential steps for succeeding in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Orient, Declare, Network, Cluster, and Focus. He emphasizes the importance of organizing course materials, reflecting on learning, and engaging with others. By networking and finding a cluster of peers with similar interests, learners can foster valuable connections. The final step, focusing on a personal project, allows participants to apply their learning to real-world goals. Cormier's approach highlights that success in a MOOC is about more than completing tasks—it’s about meaningful engagement and professional development.

Takeaways

• 😀 MOOCs are flexible learning opportunities that can be pursued for different reasons: personal interest, course credit, networking, or project development.
• 😀 To succeed in a MOOC, it's important to orient yourself by gathering key resources such as course materials, links, and live session times.
• 😀 MOOCs are paced, with weekly readings and topics. While you don't need to cover everything, the more you engage, the more you can participate.
• 😀 Declare yourself by sharing your thoughts and reflections through a blog, discussion forum, or other course-specific methods like hashtags.
• 😀 Even if no one immediately notices your declarations, you need to create a network by connecting with others, reading their work, and commenting.
• 😀 Engage with the discussions happening in the course. The connections you make through thoughtful comments are a key part of the learning process.
• 😀 As you progress through the course, you’ll begin to identify a smaller group of people (a cluster) with similar interests and goals in the course material.
• 😀 Clustering with like-minded participants can lead to deeper collaborations and potential long-term professional relationships beyond the course.
• 😀 To stay focused and avoid distractions, set a clear goal for what you want to achieve with the course—whether it's a project, paper, or grant.
• 😀 By the end of the course, if you’ve followed these steps, you'll have gained new knowledge, built a useful network, and likely completed a project applicable to your work.

Q & A

What are some potential reasons someone might enroll in a MOOC?

People might enroll in a MOOC to gain a general understanding of a topic, earn course credit, develop a new learning network, or work on a personal or professional project.

What is the first step to succeeding in a MOOC?

The first step is to orient yourself by gathering all necessary materials, links, and details about the course, such as the times for live sessions and weekly resources.

What does it mean to 'declare yourself' in a MOOC?

To declare yourself means to establish a place for your thoughts and reflections, such as a blog or discussion forum, where you can document and share your learning journey.

How can you build a network in a MOOC?

To build a network, you need to engage with others by reading their reflections, commenting on their posts, and making connections. Actively participate in the course's discussions to form relationships with fellow learners.

Why is clustering important in a MOOC?

Clustering helps you find like-minded individuals or groups with similar interests. It allows you to collaborate, share ideas, and deepen your learning within a more focused community.

What happens after a few weeks in a MOOC?

After a few weeks, you might start identifying a group of learners whose interests align with yours. These connections can lead to a supportive learning cluster that extends beyond the course.

What does focusing mean in the context of a MOOC?

Focusing involves narrowing your efforts towards a specific goal, such as a project or paper, to make the most of the knowledge you've gained during the course. It helps prevent distraction and ensures practical application of your learning.

How can a MOOC help you in your professional life?

A MOOC can expand your knowledge in a particular area, help you develop professional connections, and even support the completion of projects like papers, grants, or work-related initiatives.

Why is pacing an important feature of a MOOC?

Pacing is crucial because it provides structure and ensures that you cover key topics systematically. Unlike other online learning formats, MOOCs are divided into weekly sessions, making it easier to stay on track.

What role do facilitators play in a MOOC?

Facilitators help guide the course and provide communication about important events and updates. They may not grade every interaction but their role is to support the learning experience through structured activities and engagement.