Got MOOC? Update

The answer was “yes” for the 711 people who enrolled last fall in Get Ready for College English, MC’s first massive open online course (MOOC).

A MOOC differs from a traditional online course in that is usually free, noncredit, and features huge enrollment. The course, designed to prepare students to test into a college-level English course, also aimed to increase access for students who aren’t able to pay for a course.

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe (and even the United States), participants included middle and high school students—with representation from home-schooled students—college students, working professionals, students studying English, and even faculty from colleges and universities.

“What surprised us, besides the sheer number of students who signed up, was how many international students found the course,” said English Professor Emily Rosado, who designed the MOOC with Dr. Mike Mills, director of distance education and learning technologies.

Rosado, who used the MOOC to supplement her face-to-face course, said her students enjoyed interacting with people from around the world. Many participants plan to take the course again.