Overestimating MOOCs
Small classes taught by knowledge producers within learning
communities may not describe the majority of postsecondary
institutions in the United States, as community colleges, adult
learners, and adjunct instructors make up the bulk of the
higher ed story, but this traditional model should be bolstered
rather than threatened by the rise of the MOOCs. A free massive
course is the best demonstration of the value of an intimate
seminar.
When it comes to higher ed, we should recognize the potential
of disruptive innovations such as MOOCs, but not fall into the
trap of underestimating the power of sustained incremental
improvements.
Joshua Kim
And here is the opposite from Randy Bass
Indeed, one of the most powerful aspects of today's
technologies is that many of the high-impact features that used
to be possible only in small classes can now be experienced not
only at a larger scale but, in some cases, to better effect at
larger scale.