The concept of MOOC first emerged assigned to a course in 2008, at the University of Manitoba, Canada, and from there to various online learning platforms. But what are the real advantages and potential of this new way of learning and teaching?
Fundamentally, MOOC courses are characterized by a decentralized learning, directed to thousands of users, often free, providing learning to the student without need for physical space, without date or any appointment.
Classes are divided into modules, pre-built tests usually by multiple-choice questions and in some courses there are even certificates of completion.
Autonomy is a predominant word, and normally these courses also have numbers of frequency, and speed of completion, much higher than the traditional systems.
The highlight of massive open online courses in the international media began exactly with the expansion of financial investment in MOOC’s projects from top universities. Some experts point out that the MOOC’s are actually a smart way that universities found to test and improve distance learning.
With the revolution of online education it become increasingly possible that people without money could have access to universities like Stanford and MIT and this should redefine the concept of degree for the future.