CONNECTIVITY OF LEARNING IN MOOCs: FACILITATORS’ EXPERIENCES IN TEAM TEACHING

Authors : Martin Alonso MERCADO-VARELA, Jesus BELTRAN, Marisol Villegas PEREZ, Nohemi Rivera VAZQUEZ, Maria-Soledad RAMIREZ-MONTOYA

Pages : 143-156

Doi:10.17718/tojde.285812

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Publication Date : 2017-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The role of facilitators in distance learning environments is of substantial importance in supporting the learning process. This article specifically discusses the role of the facilitator in Massive Open Online Courses insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MOOC);, which are characterized by their stimulation of learning connections. The study analyzes the experiences of 135 facilitators in hybrid courses insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(cMOOC + xMOOC); where the following are explored: insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1); the strategies used by the facilitators to encourage learning connections, insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2); the challenges they faced in their activities, and insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3); the basic skills required. A mixed method was used with a convergent design, through the application of a questionnaire qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously. It was found that the collaborative construction of knowledge is the most widely used strategy to promote learning connections in MOOCs and that its design is the biggest challenge that facilitators faced while carrying out their activities.
Keywords : MOOC, connectivism, distance facilitators, open educational resources, open education movement