MOOC pedagogy and learning theories

In this paper presentation, I will explore the design principles, pedagogies and learning theories associated with three different types of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): cMOOCs (Connectivist MOOCs), xMOOCs (eXtended MOOCs) and hMOOCs (hybrid MOOCs). Before examining the specific details of the three types of MOOCs, the term MOOC will be generally defined and a taxonomy of common sub-categories used to classify MOOCs will be presented. This will be followed by two sections about cMOOCs and xMOOCs in which each type of MOOC will first be defined and then described and illustrated with example courses. This will be followed with analyses of the learning theories and pedagogies connected with each type of MOOC and summaries of the support and criticism of each in the literature. After this, I will introduce hMOOCs and attempt to contextualize current MOOC trends on a continuum between the extreme types that have been discussed. Finally, I will briefly survey alternative taxonomies and identify areas of inquiry relevant to future developments in MOOC design and pedagogy for language learning.