Theme: Digital Learning Polarities and Paradoxes in Digital Learning: Net That Job With an Online CV

McGuire, W. , Raaper, R. and Nikolova, V. (2016) Theme: Digital Learning Polarities and Paradoxes in Digital Learning: Net That Job With an Online CV. SERA Conference 2016, Dundee, UK, 27-29 Nov 2016. (Unpublished)

Abstract

If massive open online courses (MOOCs) were considered as an educational revolution influencing the traditional model of Higher Education Waldrop (2013) then their discourse now is formulated in terms of polarity, and this is no better depicted than in their characterisation, as either c or x MOOCs. This typology is based on underlying pedagogical principles: the cMOOC is designed using constructivist - connectivist theories, while the xMOOC is premised on behaviourist principles. In both conceptualisations, however, educational principles predominate, while the MOOC’s purpose appears to be secondary. What is clear is that very careful thought needs to be applied to their macro and micro design characteristics (Scagnoli, 2014; Richter, 2014). This paper explores attempts to hybridise the key strengths of both architectural forms to create a construct that puts purpose first – the creation of a personalised, digital cv for real – world use and, in doing so, exposes the challenges from the perspectives of the three course creators, two of whom were RDP interns (a PhD graduate and an undergraduate student) and the third member, an experienced academic and project lead, in order to support colleagues who might be considering writing their own MOOCs. The methodology deployed is a reflective, multi-perspective, qualitative study using the written vignettes of the MOOC design team to which Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of inductive thematic analysis is applied. The conclusions map onto the literature: the tensions between constructivist and behaviourist design; the challenges associated with hybridisation; and the problems of massiveness and openness.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Keywords: MOOC, hybrid MOOCs, online CVs.
• Status: Unpublished
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Nikolova, Miss Viktoria and McGuire, Professor Willie and Raaper, Miss Rille
• Authors: McGuire, W., Raaper, R., and Nikolova, V.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Pedagogy Policy and Practice; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Pedagogy, Praxis & Faith
• Research Group: CAP
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Authors

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