Twelve tips for integrating massive open online course content into classroom teaching

Abstract

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are a novel and emerging mode of online learning. They offer the advantages of online learning and provide content including short video lectures, digital readings, interactive assignments, discussion fora, and quizzes. Besides stand-alone use, universities are also trying to integrate MOOC content into the regular curriculum creating blended learning programs. In this 12 tips article, we aim to provide guidelines for readers to integrate MOOC content from their own or from other institutions into regular classroom teaching based on the literature and our own experiences. We provide advice on how to select the right content, how to assess its quality and usefulness, and how to actually create a blend within your existing course.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter G. M. de Jong

Peter G. M. de Jong, PhD, AFAMEE, is a Staff Adviser and Assistant Professor for Technology Enhanced Learning at the Center for Innovation in Medical Education of the Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands. He is involved in several major educational innovative projects, and also in the educational research program on online teaching and learning. His research interest is the integration of online materials into classroom teaching. Peter is an active member of the AMEE Technology Enhanced Learning Committee and holds the position of Editor-in-Chief of the online journal Medical Science Educator.

James D. Pickering

James D. Pickering, BSc (Hons), PhD, PGCLTHE, SFHEA, NTF, is an associate professor of Anatomy in the Division of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, UK. He teaches trunk and neuroanatomy to medical and dental students and leads the anatomy curriculum for the MBChB program. He has a strong interest in technology-enhanced learning and how it can be used to support learner gain. He developed and delivered the MOOC “Exploring Anatomy: the Human Abdomen” with Future Learn.

Renée A. Hendriks

Renée A. Hendriks, MSc, is a PhD candidate at the Center for Innovation in Medical Education of the Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands. She is passionate about designing high quality evidence based online learning experiences and her research focuses on the facilitation of effective and self-regulated learning in medical MOOCs.

Bronwen J. Swinnerton

Bronwen J. Swinnerton, BA PhD, is a senior research fellow in digital education in the School of Education, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. She has considerable experience in educational research, research in digital learning including MOOCs, assessment and evaluation and the history of education. She also has significant experience in developing and delivering MOOCs (e.g. Blended Learning Essentials suite), developing blended learning and online training and other teaching resources.

Fereshte Goshtasbpour

Fereshte Goshtasbpour, BA, MA, is a doctoral researcher in the School of Education, University of Leeds, UK, and a distance program designer at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. She has a strong interest in online teaching at large scale, and her doctoral study focuses on educators’ practices in MOOCs, particularly in the discussion fora of these courses.

Marlies E. J. Reinders

Marlies E. J. Reinders, MD, PhD, is a Nephrologist at the Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands. She has long experience in renal transplantation, including research, clinics, and education. She is involved in the organization of the new curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Leiden, and in the integration of novel forms of education in medicine for undergraduate students and professionals. She is president of the Dutch Transplant Society and board member of Eurotransplant. She developed the MOOC “Clinical Kidney, Pancreas and Islet Transplantation” with Coursera.