Massive Open Online Courses

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) are designed by universities for large scale participation. These courses are designed by instructors, and they offer credits to those enrolled at the hosting school.


MOOCs are generally created through the collaborative efforts of colleges, universities and consortiums. Students and people from all over the world can participate in all course activities and have content delivered to them electronically. MOOC is an innovative form of open learning. Network technologies facilitate interactions between schools and students, without instructional or geographical limits.

This is a comprehensive term used to describe a number of educational approaches and environments. Online learning also encompasses several different types of courses. Online courses can help you obtain all kinds of certifications, including:
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate Degree
You can not only earn a degree but learn a new skill, gain specific knowledge or update your CV by taking individual online courses. You can learn anything from a new language, to how to use a specific tool, learn the essentials of coding or visual design, etc. The options are endless.

Nearly every college and university campus has online degree courses and offerings. Some course types are the Flipped course, the hybrid course, web-based, web-enhanced, Peer instruction, and Massive Open Online Course.


Web-Enhanced Courses for College Students

This is another type of course where the class will meet in the classroom with the instructor at a regularly scheduled time. Seat time will not be replaced, but the components of the course will be available to students 24 hours per day, 7 days per week using the Learning Management System. For students willing to learn, they can opt for pre-recorded self learning videos on Udemy, Coursera or EdX or even enroll in instructor led programs such as Great Learning and Intellipaat

Online activity will vary according to the instructor and course requirements. Most instructors will clarify their expectations on the first day of school and will also have the flexibility in using the Learning Management System.

Price and Benefits of Online Learning

The most popular benefit of taking courses online is convenience. You can enjoy your classes in the comfort of your own home and work at your own pace.

Also, the application process for most colleges and universities is much easier, and you can meet people online that you would not normally have the opportunity of meeting since online learning is international.

The diploma and degrees are the same regardless of how you earned them, online or seated in a classroom. Some online courses allow you to practice some skills that certain degrees would not test. Online courses are indeed more cost-effective than the average college course program (no need to commute, pay for accommodation close to college, etc.)

The price will vary depending on the school, but an online college degree can be much cheaper. Compare different options and course curriculum to choose the best one for you.

Online courses are great for adults who want to continue their education but have family and professional obligations. Students who struggled through high school will find that online college is better for them because they wouldn't be in a rush to keep up with anyone.