The two main types of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are cMOOCs and xMOOCs, each representing distinct pedagogical approaches to online learning.
Understanding the Primary MOOC Types
MOOCs have evolved into different forms, primarily categorised by their underlying design and educational philosophy. These two types reflect varying emphasis on connectivity, content delivery, and learner interaction.
cMOOCs (Connective Massive Open Online Courses)
cMOOCs, or connective Massive Open Online Courses, are characterised by their emphasis on connectivity and distributed learning. In cMOOCs, the focus is on shared digital online learning elements and environments that are interconnected in a multitude of ways. This structure fosters a more collaborative and emergent learning experience, often driven by the participants' interactions and contributions.
xMOOCs (Extended Massive Open Online Courses)
xMOOCs, or extended Massive Open Online Courses, typically represent a more traditional, content-centric approach to online education. Unlike cMOOCs, their design often mirrors a conventional course structure, where content is delivered by instructors, and learning often revolves around absorbing information from structured modules and assessments. The term "extended" highlights their nature as online extensions of traditional educational models, often delivered on large platforms.
Key Distinctions Between cMOOCs and xMOOCs
To further clarify the differences, here's a summary of the two main types:
| MOOC Type | Full Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cMOOCs | Connective Massive Open Online Courses | Focus on shared digital learning environments and elements, connected in various ways to promote collaborative and emergent learning experiences. |
| xMOOCs | Extended Massive Open Online Courses | Represents a more conventional, content-driven approach to online courses, often structured like traditional academic courses with emphasis on instructor-led delivery and scalable content. |
