moocs for professional teacher development: paperless 2014 conference presentation
DESCRIPTION
MOOCS IN EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TEACHER DEVELOPMENT: POSSIBILITIES AND POTENTIAL Tara McIlroy, Brian Morrison, and Craig Manning Kanda University of International Studies, University of Shimane Abstract: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) developed from the tradition of distance learning, and have been growing in popularity in recent years. As a new and exciting area of education, the potential of MOOCs to transform education through distance, paperless technology has been a discussion point for educators in a variety of fields. In this panel discussion three speakers will give different perspectives on using MOOCs in educational contexts in Japan. First, Craig Manning will talk about a collaborative project in 2013 in which he participated in a MOOC alongside a group of language learners. Next, Brian Morrison will outline a self-directed language learning module where students have recently chosen MOOCs to meet their goals, and discuss the further potential where MOOCs deliver knowledge and skill development as preparation for study abroad, as well as ways that students could be supported with this. Tara McIlroy will talk about participating in MOOCs for professional teacher development. All three presenters will relate their ideas to the themes of possibility and potential, while considering practical issues for language learners and educators. There will be opportunities for Q & A and discussion after each presentation, and at the end of the talk.TRANSCRIPT
MOOCs for professional teacher development
Tara McIlroy: Paperless2014 ConferenceKanda University of International Studies
Thursday, January 30, 14
Thursday, January 30, 14
Adventurerhigh level of commitment
Explorer In the middle
TouristLow level of commitment
Creativity, Innovation, and Change MOOC, 2013
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Topic goals
Course planning
Ideas for technology in class
AIMS
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Text Coursera10 week courseBrown University USArnold Weinstein
Thursday, January 30, 14
Coursera10 weeksUniversity of Michigan, USEric Rabkin
Thursday, January 30, 14
Peer feedback
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Thursday, January 30, 14
Next steps
Thursday, January 30, 14
1. I have specific experience with the Futurelearn website that offers free MOOCs from a range of universities, primarily in the UK but also global. I took the Web Science 6-week MOOC offered by the University of Southampton. It was an excellent experience as the course was well organised into themed weeks (introduction, networks, web security etc) and the content included videos, discussion forums, weekly activities and quizzes, and a host of links to online articles and websites. All of this could be accessed with zero problems on my Mac, PC iPhone and iPad; making the MOOC truly mobile learning. The best thing about the Futurelearn site is that it is only in Beta stage at the moment, meaning that there are a whole range of features to come. I will be joining the Corpus Linguistics MOOC on the 27th January.
2. In relation to the Futurelearn website, my main advice is to sign up to any courses you are interested in, whether or not you think you will actually have the time to join/finish them. You get periodic emails about the forthcoming MOOC you have signed up to (details of what the MOOC will involve etc) and this allows you to get more details about the MOOC to see if it is really one you would like to take. And dropping out of a MOOC before or even during a course is simple.
3. As mentioned before, the Futurelearn is only in beta stage but already offers excellently structured and well-planned courses, for free. As more and more people offer feedback on the courses they have taken, the MOOCs will develop through collobaration of ideas and improvements in technology. Add to that the fact that courses are being continually added, and we have the makings of a major change to the way education is delivered.
K.B., Former ELI teacher and MOOC participant
Advice
Thursday, January 30, 14
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Thursday, January 30, 14