What is MOOC

(Massive Open Online Courses)

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free online courses that anyone can
take. MOOCs offer a cost-effective and flexible way to learn new skills, advance your
career, and deliver high-quality educational experiences on a large scale.

MOOCs are used by millions of people around the world to learn for a variety of
reasons, including career development, changing careers, college preparation,
supplemental learning, lifelong learning, corporate eLearning & training, and more.

Also, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) is the delivery of content online and
anyone can participate; there are no restrictions in participating in the MOOC; there is
no limit on attendance; and MOOC has basically converted the world into a global
village; it has increased the interconnectedness; thus, MOOC are beneficial for personal
enrichment, degree programs, and lifelong learning; and MOOC is considered a digital
revolution in education.

11 Benefits Of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

1.Offer a variety of subjects
2. Let you test out your major before committing
3. Familiarize you with college-level learning before enrolling
4. Prepare you academically for college
5. Learn from peers around the world
6. They’re open to everyone
7. MOOCs are available in different languages
8. Learn a language for FREE
9. Offer FREE AP exam preparation and courses
10. Help your college and scholarship applications stand out
11. Boost your job applications and career prospects

What do you mean about Blended Learning

The term blended learning is generally applied to the practice of using both online and
in-person learning experiences when teaching students. Also called hybrid learning and
mixed-mode learning, blended-learning experiences may vary widely in design and
execution from school to school.“Blended learning, also known as hybrid learning, is an
approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for
interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods.”

Types of blended learning models

There’s a few different ways to approach this type of training. Let’s look at some of
the most used blended learning models.
Flipped model
This blended learning model allows trainers to prioritize active learning during class
time, by giving learners the training materials and presentations before the actual class.
The trainer can simply share the content via a learning management system (LMS),
email, or however training is delivered.
Face-to-face driver model
This is the closest to a traditional classroom structure. Instead of the session taking
place in a physical classroom, learners log into a webinar or meeting session, like a
Zoom Meeting. The learning happens online, with assignments being set afterwards.
This blended learning model is easily delivered using an LMS. With one, you can deliver
the training session and share assignments with learners before or after the session has
taken place.
Enriched virtual
 An alternative to full-time online training that allows learners to complete the majority
of coursework online, and also attend webinars for face-to-face learning sessions with
an instructor. Attendance is ad hoc and at the learners discretion, giving them the
flexibility to learn at their own pace.

What are the 6 kinds of Blended Learning

1) Face-to-Face Driver Model
Of all the blended learning models, face-to-face driver is the closest to a typical
school structure. With this approach, the introduction of online instruction is decided on
a case-by-case basis, meaning only certain students in a given class will participate in
any form of blended learning. The face-to-face driver approach allows students who are
struggling or working above their grade level to progress at their own pace using
technology in the classroom.
Some schools have also found this model to be a helpful way to engage English
language learners (ELL), who sometimes fall behind not because they are incapable of
understanding a concept, but because they’re not native speakers. A 2009 study of the
Round Rock Independent School District in Texas found that the math and reading test
scores of third and fifth grade ELLs increased following the implementation of blended
learning and the use of interactive whiteboards.
2) Rotation Model
In this form of blended learning, students rotate between different stations on a fixed
schedule – either working online or spending face-to-face time with the teacher. The
rotational model is more widely used in elementary schools – 80 percent of elementary
schools in California that use blended learning follow the rotational model – because
many are already set up to have students rotate between stations.
In a case study of IDEA Public Schools in Texas published by DreamBox Learning,
the rotational model of blended learning was determined to be an effective means of
increasing the achievement of students in this Title 1 School. IDEA students rotated
between learning labs, where they used intelligent adaptive learning software to learn
math concepts, and a traditional classroom. The result? Students became more active
learners and often challenged themselves to work harder and learn material that had
not yet been introduced in their math classroom.
3) Flex Model
Schools who are supporting a large number of non-traditional or at-risk students often
choose the flex model of blended learning. With this approach, material is primarily
delivered online. Although teachers are in the room to provide on-site support as
needed, learning is primarily self-guided, as students independently learn and practice
new concepts in a digital environment. The flex model is an approach used by the
AdvancePath Academy, a blended learning school, which works with school district
partners to address the needs of students with behavioral, academic and/or socio-
economic challenges.
Students at AdvancePath spend most of their time in a computer lab learning online.
However, certified teachers are also on-site to work with students on reading and
writing, lead small-group work, and provide help as needed. More than 90 percent of
students enrolled at AdvancePath either graduate from high school, transfer to other
schools to complete their studies, or are on track for graduation. These are promising
results, considering that only three out of 10 students who drop out of high school
manage to earn a degree by age 25.
4) Online Lab Model
As schools face increasingly tighter resource constraints, the online lab model of
blended learning is a viable option for helping students complete courses, including
those not offered at the specific school site. In this scenario, students learn entirely
online but travel to a dedicated computer lab to complete their coursework. Adults
supervise the lab, but they are not trained teachers. This not only allows schools to offer
courses for which they have no teacher or not enough teachers, but also allows
students to work at a pace and in a subject area that suits them without affecting the
learning environment of other students.
In a case study published by DreamBox Learning, the Inner City Education
Foundation demonstrated how vital online lab programs can be for school districts
facing budgetary and resource shortfalls. The ICEF Vista Elementary Academy in Los
Angeles faced significant state funding cuts in 2010, so school leaders instituted
learning labs in an attempt to give students quality digital learning experiences because
they had fewer teachers. The result? Students in need of intervention had more face
time with teachers and the school’s second and third graders demonstrated improved
math skills.
5) Self-Blend Model
Popular in high schools, the self-blend model of blended learning gives students the
opportunity to take classes beyond what is already offered at their school. While these
individuals will attend a traditional school environment, they also opt to supplement their
learning through online courses offered remotely. In order for this method of blended
learning to be successful, students must be highly self-motivated. Self-blend is ideal for
the student who wants to take additional Advanced Placement courses, or who has
interest in a subject area that is not covered in the traditional course catalog.
6) Online Driver Model
At the opposite end of the spectrum from face-to-face driver we have online driver,
which is a form of blended learning in which students work remotely and material is
primarily delivered via an online platform. Although face-to-face check-ins are optional,
students can usually chat with teachers online if they have questions. This model of
blended learning is ideal for students who need more flexibility and independence in
their daily schedules. This approach is becoming increasingly popular – each year, the
number of students participating in online driver programs increases by about 15
percent.