An outline of the SPCO - next generation MOOC

1. SPOCs
Its education but not as we knew
it......

2. Varying definitions
Saxon
......
open online course

3. Social...
• Spalding (2013)positions this as an attempt to
move the emphasis away from a pure
replication of the traditional course
• Stresses the benefits of being more responsive
to learner needs
• Emphasis on the open as in open ended i.e.
being driven by the community and following
their interests

4. Small
Walker queries the sustainability of the MOOC
and suggests that small is the way forward i.e.
limiting the numbers

5. Selective
• Definition adopted by Harvard and
UCBerkeley
• Example The architectural Imagery
• Anyone can apply but acceptance is selective
to limit numbers
• “Still free and delivered through the internet,
but access is restricted to much smaller
numbers” (Coughlan)

6. Specialised
• Here the emphasis is on utilising the SOOC as
a means of advertising and brand profiling.
• Specialised OOCs focus on what an institution
does best or maximise the capability of its
staff or resources where they have a particular
strength.

7. Why?
Addressing some of the 3 key issues impacting
on MOOCs
Low level of
active
participation
Low
retention
Variable
student
background
Peer support enhanced through a more selective
community of learners who are committed to the SOOC
Leads to greater participation
Suggestion made in Shimabukoro (2013) that one
possibility is a two phase selection – all could
start but progress beyond a certain point is
dependant on contribution
Ensure through selection process that
participants are ready and able to
participate and contribute

8. Other claims?
• A natural evolution of the MOOC
• Enables sustainability

9. References
• Spalding, P (2013) ‘Death of MOOCS, Rise of
SOOCs? A Passing Fad?’, Cambolc Blogspot,
May 2013 [online]. Available at
www.cambolc.blogspot.com/2013/05/deathof-moocs-rise-of-soocs (Accessed 9 October
2013
• Chaosbook.blogspot.com/2012/09/foundatio
nsal-soocs-specialised-open.html