The Challenges of the MOOC Learning Environment

Finding ways to best fit the MOOC learning structure/method into a effective means of a documented learning path is proving to be quite the challenge.

I am fortunate in that I am finding my natural love of learning and a zest for understanding the learning process to be extremely helpful in transitioning to learning in a MOOC environment; and yet, this revolution in learning is different both from the traditional classroom and to to other forms of self-directed learning management systems. Despite the challenges,  I am still confident that I chose the best platform to support my dive into the world of Educational Data Science.

I was drawn to this method of learning and to Coursera for several reasons:

• Coursera offers me the chance to chart my own path for learning.
• MOOCs are still a relatively new disruptive technology, consequently, many of the courses currently being taught on Coursera are by taught by the university's department chairs, deans, and other nationally/internationally respected individuals.

Educational Data Science is a relatively new field, and so is the Coursera learning platform. To say that I am finding that having access to some of the top minds in the US as my instructors to be an illuminating experience is an understatement. However, over time, the novelty of the MOOC environment is likely to wear off, and soon the same courses may now longer be taught by the same caliber of individuals or perhaps not offered at all. Subsequently, I am actively trying to learn as much as I can from as many of the great minds as I can, while  I can. This desire can make for a large cognitive load and it is making it hard for me to complete all the requirements for "certificates of achievement".

So what is an extreme learner to do?

How can I balance my desire for achieving recognition for my work, with the time constraints inheritent disruptive technology?