The Major reading provided a valuable insight into the details and characteristics surrounding the structure of a course. In particular, I was fascinated with the concept of massively open online courses, or MOOCs, and how they can be utilized to facilitate the learning of a substantial number of students that can potentially number in the thousands (Major p78). I wonder how the utilization of MOOCs can revolutionize education by providing individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to learn the exact same curriculum that is being taught to affluent students who can afford to attend college. By permitting any person with the technological means to access and listen to the MOOCs, the information and knowledge of numerous subjects can be disseminated across the world and throughout different socioeconomic classes. This can limit the education gap that exists between the rich and the poor.
Furthermore, the implicit understanding that I gained from the Major reading is that, without MOOCs, the relatively limit level of education for many individuals from poorer backgrounds is unequal compared to the stellar education enjoyed by the wealthier classes of individuals. To help achieve true equality in society, it is essential for individuals of all socioeconomic classes to have equal access to the same quality of educational information so that no specific group of people has an unfair advantage over others. Thus, I hope to apply what I have learned from the reading to my learning outside of university by empathizing with those from underprivileged backgrounds to a greater degree than I did before. Moreover, I have recognized the immense impact that modern technology such as the Internet has had on society and will strive to participate in MOOCs when I have the time. I hope to broaden my learning in a myriad of subjects using MOOCs.
Reference:
Major, C. H. (2015). Teaching Online – A Guide to Theory, Research, and Practice. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uvic/detail.action?docID=3318874(pp. 76-108)
boyue
July 13, 2022 — 5:19 pm
Hi Ruobing, I was absolute agree with you. the new technology on education can really help to students who are from the poor family. it is a good way to reduce the gap between rich and poor. To make students equally access the educational opportunities.
Bingxin xia
July 13, 2022 — 6:14 pm
I quite agree with you that the relatively limited level of education of many people from poor backgrounds is unequal. Something I didn’t notice in my reading. It can also help underprivileged students gain education.
susiewang
July 13, 2022 — 11:38 pm
Hi Ruobing. Coincidentally, I am also very interested in MOOC as you are. I agree with you about the MOOC can narrow the learning gap between different classes, but as far as I know, the certificates earned in MOOC have no substantial value, such as for applying to universities. So I think to truly equalize education, every aspect needs to be considered.
rbanow
July 14, 2022 — 8:56 pm
Thanks for the post, Ruobing!
I love how you see such potential in MOOCs. They really were pitched as a way to educate the world. The Major article is from 2015. It may be worth looking into how MOOCs have changed (or not) since 2015. Have they made a difference? Who takes MOOCs? After completing MOOCs, do underprivileged learners get hired or does the lack of a degree still hold them back?
You’ve hit on some really big questions. Good work!
ruobingbai
July 16, 2022 — 7:10 pm
Hi，rbanow
I think all people can takes MOOCs, because these courses are not dependent on location, not dependent on time. Whether vulnerable people who complete moOCs can find jobs. First of all, I think taking courses through MOOC to improve their abilities is helpful for the disadvantaged groups to find jobs. Because MOOCs are an effective way to broaden knowledge. But there are also plenty of students from formal schools competing for jobs, and MOOCs alone are not an advantage. Therefore, if the vulnerable groups want to find jobs through MOOCs. they still need to constantly improve themselves.
haoliangwu
July 15, 2022 — 2:46 pm
Thank you for the post! I found its really interesting to read, the use of modern technology continues to have a significant impact on society, and you mention that MOOCs can help reduce inequality in educational resources as a good example. But I think technological progress in many ways is also exacerbating the disparity between the rich and the poor.