Schuwer, R., Gil-Jaurena, I., Aydin, C. H., Costello, E., Dalsgaard, C., Brown, M., ... & Teixeira, A. (2015). Opportunities and threats of the MOOC movement for higher education: The European perspective. International review of research in open and dist

Abstract

The MOOC model (Massive Open Online Course, for its acronym in English) has emerged as an innovative alternative for university education, allowing massive access to online courses taught by renowned institutions. This model is characterized by its open, flexible and autonomous nature, which has generated a significant impact on the educational landscape. One of the main advantages of the MOOC is its ability to broaden access to university education. Through online platforms, anyone can enroll in courses taught by professors from world-renowned institutions. This has democratized education by removing geographic and economic barriers that often limit access to traditional education. In addition, the MOOC model offers flexibility in terms of hours and location. Students can learn at their own pace, access course materials anytime, anywhere, and tailor their learning process to their individual needs. This promotes autonomous learning and self-regulation, valuable skills in an ever-evolving educational environment. MOOCs cover a wide range of topics and disciplines, giving students the opportunity to explore various fields of study and gain knowledge in areas of specific interest to them. This encourages the diversity of content and the personalization of learning, since students can choose the courses that best suit their needs and educational goals. However, the MOOC model also presents challenges. The lack of interaction and personalized feedback, due to the large number of participants, can make it difficult to deepen the concepts and resolve specific doubts. Additionally, MOOC course completion rates are often low, raising questions about student engagement and motivation. Despite these challenges, the MOOC as an alternative model for university education has proven to be a valuable tool. It has allowed access to education to people from all over the world, promoting flexibility, diversity of content and autonomous learning. As MOOCs continue to be explored and improved, it is expected that they will continue to play an important role in the educational landscape, providing enriching and transformative learning opportunities.