EduTalk: Massive Open Online Course vs Cohort-Based Course | 2

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Hello! Welcome back to another EduTalk note. I decided to create EduTalk notes specifically to discuss things related to education.

The discussion here is based on my understanding and experience during learning and working. So, you might find some things that don’t match with what you already know or have experienced. Don’t hesitate to let me know if there are any differences.

In the previous EduTalk notes, I mentioned the advantages and disadvantages of Massive Open Online Course and Cohort-Based Course. Now, on this note, I will continue the discussion with my personal opinion regarding both methods. Enjoy!

First, I will discuss my views on Massive Open Online Course. Massive Open Online Course or MOOC is commonly found on online learning platforms that are based on self-paced learning. So, from the discussion of materials, assessments, to assignments, participants follow independently without direct interaction with the instructor.

In my opinion, this can cause several problems, especially in describing the participant’s understanding when doing assessments or assignments, such as:

1. Cheating. MOOC allows participants to cheat, especially when doing assessments.
2. Limited participant understanding. Although MOOC offers convenience in accessing learning materials, the participant’s level of understanding of the material is certainly different. So, it is possible for participants to only answer questions based on the material without deep understanding.

This indicates that the participant’s final grade or certificate received does not accurately describe the participant’s understanding of the material they have learned.

To overcome this, there are several things that can be done:

1. Provide project-based assignments. Actually, there are already several platforms that implement this. However, make sure the project really involves problem-solving and the application of concepts. Then, make sure the project is evaluated and given feedback by the course provider. So that participants can measure the extent of their understanding of the related material.
2. Existence of discussion forums. In addition to helping participants understand the material, this also allows for peer assessment. Where course providers give participants the opportunity to assess each other’s projects.
3. Existence of proctored tests. Proctored tests make the assessment held stricter because it requires a webcam or third party to monitor the assessment process directly. So, the assessment results that exist will be more valid compared to regular assessments.

For the first point, it may have already been widely implemented by course providers. However, for the second and third points, it may be more difficult to implement. Because these two points require adequate human resources and costs. So, these two points, especially the third point, will rarely be found in course providers.

Now, I will discuss my views on the Cohort-Based Course. Previously, I mentioned that a Cohort-Based Course is a learning method based on live courses that usually involve a group of participants. Based on my experience in following one of the boot camps that use this method, I found two types of participant groups.

First, large groups. Large groups consist of all participants who take the class. When in this group, the instructor will deliver the material. The process of delivering material here will basically be the same as when we are attending webinars. So, there will be many participants when the material delivery begins.

Second, small groups. This small group will be divided based on the categories needed in the class. Usually, it will be divided based on the project that will be held or based on the participant’s level of skill and knowledge. Well, this group will be guided by a buddy or teaching assistant (TA).

The existence of small groups will certainly help in the learning process. However, based on the boot camp I followed. The number of small groups is not really ideal. Because in one group, there will be approximately 20 participants. In my opinion, the number of participants in small groups will be ideal if not too large. With fewer numbers, the interaction between buddies or TAs will be better and more intense. The buddy or TA can give more personal attention to each participant and create more intensive discussions.

However, this certainly requires more adequate human resources, namely buddies or TAs. So, it may be difficult to apply to bootcamps that have many participants, but with limited human resources.

In addition to the group, the thing I highlight from Cohort-Based Course is the potential for variation or inconsistency in delivering material. This is normal considering the instructor needs to provide material directly. However, this should be anticipated by careful preparation from instructors and course providers. In addition, the direct interaction between instructors and participants allows for discussions that provide in-depth understanding and specific problem-solving according to the needs of participants.

Based on both my notes on Massive Open Online Course and Cohort-Based Course, I conclude that the best possibility of combining both methods is by combining them.

For the Massive Open Online Course method, the course provider can create a scheduled interactive session with the instructor and other participants in a limited or scheduled manner. Course providers can also provide forums or discussions for fellow participants as well as with instructors. So, the shortcomings of MOOC related to interaction can be overcome.

Then for the Cohort-Based Course method, the course provider can provide written material along with recording the material delivery session. So, participants can re-learn the material that has been presented before.

In combining both methods, careful planning is certainly needed. Both in learning material, schedule, and resources are needed to create an integrated and effective learning experience for participants.

That’s the EduTalk note this time. This note also serves as a conclusion to the topic of Massive Open Online Course vs Cohort-Based Course. See you again in the next note! :)