How can I use MOOCs?
MOOCS AS SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
MOOCs can act as a complementary resource to achieve learning outcomes, support various groups of learners, and overcome common students’ challenges. As most MOOC content are free to audit learners, videos and learning activities from selected modules1 can be adapted and integrated in traditional classrooms. Such approach leads to diverse types of hybrid methodological combinations such as the flipped classrooms, which suggest learners to view MOOC videos at home and enact face-to-face discussions in class.
There is not necessarily only one single theme for a MOOC. An alternative would be an academic discipline overview, with multiple instructors each responsible for one module and giving an introduction to their area of specialisation. MOOCs therefore serve as a valuable means to approach individuals who are interested in research and education at UTokyo. They unlock potential for international students acquisition, industry,-university collaboration, and education/research collaboration with overseas universities.
1Course length varies by courses. You can follow the suggested study plan, or choose to watch just some videos in a particular module if you find it difficult to study all the way through.
2A flipped classroom is an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning, in which course materials are introduced outside of class, and in-class time is re-purposed for inquiry, application, and assessment in order to better meet the needs of individual learners.
MOOCS AS A REMEDIAL COMPLEMENT
(INAPPLICABLE TO UTOKYO)
MOOC can be used to help post-secondary students acquire and review prerequisite knowledge for undergraduate studies or higher study pursuit. Some overseas universities allow students who enroll in their pre-approved list of MOOCs before admission to apply credits earned towards their programs to fulfill graduation requirements.
MOOC-BASED MICRO-CREDENTIALS
Micro-credentials can be stacked towards larger units of competence or capability, in a format that is verified, secure and shareable with peers, employers and educational providers. MOOCs with micro-credentials include a final capstone project or exam and offer verified documentation of completion. The price varies between universities. UTokyo charges 49 USD~ for a certificate of completion.
MOOCS AS A RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Videos made for MOOCs can be used in research seminars and for conference presentations. Both final cut and rough cut of the videos filmed are made available upon request. You can also create mid-course and post-course surveys to gather data3.
3All data collected must be held anonymously for research purposes only. There are no identifying values that can link the information to the participant.