Exploring the MOOC format as a pedagogical approach for mLearning

Authors

Apostolos Koutropoulos, University of Massachusetts BostonFollow
Inge de Waard, Institute of Tropical Medicine - BelgiumFollow
Nilgün Özdamar Keskin, Anadolu UniversityFollow
Sean C. Abajian, California State University - NorthridgeFollow
Rebecca Hogue, University of OttawaFollow
C. Osvaldo Rodriguez, Universidad Nacional de La PlataFollow
Michael Sean Gallagher, University of EdinburghFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2011

Recommended Citation

This paper takes a look at the MOOC format as a possible pedagogical approach to fit mobile learning(mLearning) based on mutual affordances of both contemporary learning/teaching formats. The paper presents acase study of how MobiMOOC, a course created using the Massively Open Online Course (MOOC) format,demonstrates the synergistic characteristics between the MOOC format and mLearning, making a combinationof both fields ideal for contemporary, digital, collaborative learning and knowledge construction. MobiMOOCwas a six-week online course focusing on mLearning that ran in April and May 2011. MobiMOOC was freelyavailable and saw 556 learners join the supporting Google Group. An end-of course survey provides insight thatsupports the synergies between MOOCs and mLearning. The paper zooms in on the time and locationindependency, contextual learning, collaborative learning, the potential of interdisciplinary informationexchange and contemporary technology for learning online e.g. social media, mobile devices.