Answered: Who is the author’s intended audience?…

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

10th Edition

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ1

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Who is the author’s intended audience? A) Students who attend traditional colleges B) Education policymakers C) Students who attend MOOCs D) Parents of students Text: For the love of MOOCs

Transcribed Image Text:For the Love of MOOCs Despite their apparent benefits, current MOOCs are not a plausible alternative to traditional education. The term MOOCs was first used in 2008 to refer to a learning alternative termed "Massive Open Online Courses." This learning model allows students all over the globe to participate in a network of college level courses from the comfort of their homes and offices. MOOC students watch a coordinated series of videos, similar to online tutorials. These videos usually run 10-15 minutes-the maximum attention span of the average student. The capacity to rewind portions or replay complete videos further reinforces learning. A standardized multiple-choice assessment indicates mastery of a given topic and allows students to move on in the scope and sequence of learning. Students also participate in live online chats and discussion groups to add to the social aspect of learning. Some MOOCs even feature one-on-one or small group encounters, during which major concepts are reviewed and discussed. This design and pedagogy not only mimics the classic lecture and small-group models used in universities today, it often surpasses them, according to many studies. While this information is convincing on paper, the reality of MOOCs in their present form is that they lack one major aspect of learning support: interaction- driven success. Harvard and MIT recently released the findings of a 2012-2013 study that determined 95% of students taking MOOC courses dropped their course before making it to the end. What is causing this student retraction in MOOCs? Most students take MOOCs because they can't afford traditional college, and MOOC learning is free. Therefore, cost is not a factor for high dropout rates. MOOCs also offer ease of attendance that makes them more attractive than traditional university education. Anyone with a computer can sign on and learn at a pace that fits their learning style and schedule. So it's apparent that strict attendance guidelines are also not a factor for widespread dropout. The prerecorded, video-based learning format has long ago been tested as effective, and most people today have already used the Internet to find and explore information. Therefore, it seems technology roadblocks are not to blame, either. The only major difference between MOOCs and traditional brick-and-mortar schools is human contact. The simultaneous stimulation of both teacher and classmates in a physical classroom beats a virtual lecture in cyberspace any day of the week. Regular, in-person contact reinforces instruction, promotes idea exchange, and offers a recognized pathway from beginning to end. Students who are not consistently steered back on the right track often fall off of it. MOOCs lack this constant feedback and assurance that students are succeeding. They may use assessments and live chats, but personal teacher engagement seems to be key. Many MOOC providers are now trying to provide the technology for more personal one-on-one connections, such as virtual labs, in which students have access to instructors who guide them through real-world experiences in real-time. Future MOOCs will have a recognizable place in the nation's learning profile. Student debt has passed $1 trillion. The cost of a college education is up 72%. Graduates on average are accepting first jobs that pay 15% less than they once did. Social pressure to attend college and achieve a degree drives students to take on this financial burden. Today, one of the largest MOOC providers offers lectures from professors in nearly 100 universities. This provider offers 400 courses attended by upwards of five million eager learners. If MOOCs continue to improve, this method of learning will likely become the preferred form of higher learning. The only thing MOOCs will lack is a football team to cheer on to victory.

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