Both models of MOOCs are valid but different. When
learners choose a MOOC, they should consider the structure and design that best meets their learning needs.
MOOCs for Teachers
Some MOOCs are specifically designed for K– 12 teachers.
These MOOCs offer an authentic model of professional
learning.
Last year, Verena Roberts, an elearning consultant and
chief education officer for www.GlobalEd.ca, started a
course for K– 12 teachers called Exploring Our Digital Foot-
prints Together (#DigiFoot12). This was Roberts’ first foray
into facilitating this kind of course, which she calls “not an
official MOOC.” It had approximately 150 participants and
featured several guest presenters. The course was housed on
a wiki, tapped into a variety of social media tools, and used
Blackboard’s Collaborate software for synchronous sessions,
provided through collaborator Steve Hargadon, founder
of Classroom 2.0. Hargadon has also set up the site www.
MOOC.me, which offers a clear and simple way to create,
list, and view MOOCs.
