IS ‘MOOC’ OR ‘MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSE’ THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION? ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Continual developments in technology and especially IT are vastly improving our connectivity as a species and revolutionizing the way we relate to each other, do business, socialize, learn and even receive an education. Part of the teacher’s role has already been taken over by the internet and all the wonderful applications made possible by technology. In this emerging view of education, the teacher is becoming ‘the facilitator’ providing guidance for students seeking knowledge and self development. With this in mind, is ‘MOOC’ the future of education? Do your research and discover what exactly ‘MOOC’ is and then take notes on the pros and cons. Once you have done so, write an argumentative essay explaining your own views: are our classrooms going to remain as they are or are they going to undergo a transformation?
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Reading material to annotate

1. “MOOCS: Top Ten Sites for Free Education with Elite Universities”; Note to the student: if you scroll down, you will find a fantastic, informative video as well.  http://www.bdpa-detroit.org/portal/index.php?Itemid=20&catid=29:education&id=57:moocs-top-10-sites-for-free-education-with-elite-universities&option=com_content&view=article

2.       “MOOC List” http://www.mooc-list.com/

3.       “MOOC Definition from Financial Times Lexicon” http://lexicon.ft.com/Term?term=mooc

4.       “The Pros and Cons of MOOCS” http://adulted.about.com/od/Adult-Education-in-the-U.S./a/The-Pros-And-Cons-Of-Moocs.htm

5.       “How MOOCS Are Changing the Way People Learn” http://distancelearn.about.com/od/isitforyou/a/How-Moocs-Are-Changing-The-Way-People-Learn.htm

6.       “The Dark Side of MOOCS: Big Problems with Massively Open Online Courses” http://distancelearn.about.com/od/isitforyou/a/The-Dark-Side-Of-The-Moocs-Big-Problems-With-Massively-Open-Online-Courses.htm

Videos to watch and make notes on

1.       “BBC NEWS: What Is MOOC?” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23127327; OR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcoKelMSOxg

2.       “What is MOOC” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_N_NHbC80E