A MOOC with a Difference: Creating Community for Learning in MOOCs

Abstract

In keeping with ERW9 theme of Evolving Practices in Technology Enhanced Learning and Teaching this paper presentation will offer participants the opportunity to discuss the MOOC initiative and how MOOCs may, or may not, offer increased access to learning, in higher education and beyond. In addition, the review of MOOC courses provides another opportunity to consider online learning and teaching; what is essential, and how those essential pieces may support a pedagogical sound learning experience in MOOCs. This study examines different methods of facilitation in an instructionally designed MOOC for novice online learners called Learning to Learn Online (see http://www.ltlo.ca) and the role of both design and interaction for different dimensions of presence in a Community of Inquiry (COI) framework.