Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ MIT and German research on the [appalling] use of video in xMOOCs

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

Here's the recommendation from Hansch, A. et al. (2015) Video and Online Learning: Critical Reflections and Findings From the Field, as cited by Tony Bates: "Think twice before using video.... it seems problematic that online learning pedagogy is concentrated so heavily in this medium." Bates responds, first, that the authors haven't done their research ("the failure in the main text to recognise properly Richard Mayer's contribution to what we know about using video for teaching and learning is unforgivable"), second, that he nonetheless agrees with the conclusion, and third, "those designing xMOOCs have made the most egregious of errors in effective design through sheer ignorance of prior research in the area. Since those making these stupid mistakes in course design come from elite, research-based institutions, the sin of ignoring prior research is even more unforgivable," and fourth, "the real value of this paper comes from the authors' typology of video production styles." But finally, and he puts it in bold: "we should stop taking xMOOCs seriously. They are badly designed by amateurs who don't know what they are doing." Hear, hear.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Apr 20, 2024 12:49 a.m.

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