Exploring the challenges & benefits of MOOCs as an innovative, pedagogical model in higher education.
Résumé
The use of different digital applications in higher education has been on the rise for many years now, largely to the benefit of student learning. These new educational trends provide learners with a convenient alternative, or complement to traditional classrooms. To this effect, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been adopted to meet learners' needs in higher education, serving as an innovative pedagogical model with three main dimensions: the provider (what is offered), the learners (who), and the process (how). Ideally, they take students through the developmental stage of problem-solving and help them implement new methods or skills to continue learning. With a good internet connection, learners can develop their knowledge and qualifications from anywhere in the world. This report seeks to understand how MOOCs have transformed learning with a focus on university-level education. The paper provides a thorough review of recent research in MOOC implementation, including articles from 2013 to 2024, and analyzing them from a pedagogical perspective. Through a thematic literature review, the researchers explored the challenges and benefits of MOOCs for teachers and learners. The analysis shows that while MOOCs provide numerous benefits, such as self-paced learning and innovative ways for grappling with new materials, several considerations are necessary to maximize their potential.