The Evolution of Online Learning and Related Tools and Techniques toward MOOCs

Tools And Opportunities

Online discussion and presentation tools offer hybrid opportunities to assist course designers to move from a contemporary face to face model toward an online offering. These follow a spectrum moving away from controlled discussion toward larger and larger potential audiences. This section highlights some of the opportunities, and discusses their potential use in face-to-face, ‘traditional’ online offerings, and new MOOCs.

Much discussion exists about ‘hybrid’ course offerings, and one can only surmise that the face of postsecondary education is poised for change. The challenge becomes protecting the integrity and quality of the educational process. This includes insuring materials turned in come from the individual being evaluated and retaining the ongoing effectiveness of course offerings. Several tools are discussed for this.