On the ‘university of the future': a critical analysis of cohort-based course platform Maven

ABSTRACT

The educational technology industry includes numerous learning providers and platforms offering cohort-based courses. In this paper, we examine, analyze, and critique one such platform called Maven. We focus our analysis on Maven because this specific platform describes itself as building ‘the university of the future’ and has recently received significant attention and funding, making it a compelling case study to better understand the potential roles and risks associated with education platforms operating outside of and alongside more traditional higher education institutions today and into the future. We highlight specific concerns about cohort-based platforms like Maven, including lack of transparency, risk of surveillance, lack of adequate financial support for learners, and over-reliance on social media networks as signifiers of educator/instructor qualification. Suggested benefits include adaptability, suitability to changing skills needs, and responsiveness to changing environmental scenarios.

KEYWORDS:

• Platform capitalism
• cohort-based learning platforms
• education futures
• Maven

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was undertaken, in part, thanks to funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canada Research Chairs Program.