The digitally growing world has offered students digital learning enabling them to learn at home. More and more students today are enrolling for online courses or MOOC based degrees, especially for postgraduate studies.
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What is MOOC?
MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is a platform like an online course. It provides study material and learning at your doorstep without actually stepping into the classroom—a virtual classroom for all keen learners.
Differences between MOOC based Degrees and Online Degrees
Though MOOC and an online course might sound similar in its structure, there is a big list of differences that help us distinguish both.
Serving Platform
MOOC degrees are delivered to you through EdX, FutureLearn, Coursera and similar platforms when performed in partnership with a university. An online course, on the other hand, is delivered by accredited universities. It offers you the same course structure which runs in its offline lecture room through video sessions, live sessions, discussions etc.
Content Vs Context
An online course revolves around the content. It makes sure you’re being served with the right knowledge that serves your purpose right. A MOOC course circles around the context. Yes, it stands strong in terms of content but what makes it outshine is the dynamic building of context around its content.
Read More: Why Are Free Online Courses Beneficial for Students?
MOOC degrees thus, as said, provide dynamic content which is upgraded regularly according to the course needs. Online content is fixed and gives you the same study material as being offered in the accredited university.
Flexibility
An online course runs according to its time and schedule. It focuses on completing the course on time that matches up to the speed of the course running in their offline classrooms. On the contrary, MOOC provides you more flexibility and without rushing, runs at its own pace.
But one limitation about MOOC degrees is the unavailability of sufficient resources. It has the same resources as the live classrooms which are available on an online degree.
Application and Admission
Applying in a MOOC degree program requires you to submit your full application. You have to take proficiency tests such as IELTS and GRE for master level studies. Whereas, an online course is governed by traditional admission making processes.
A plus point with registering in a MOOC program is that it gives access to all willing candidates. It is for the candidates who wish to join without limiting access to a per cent of students like in an online course. MOOC operates at a large scale and is more open and innovative in terms of taking admissions.
Fees and Certification
Online courses will offer you study material at the same fee rate, which is on-campus. MOOC programs cost much less than an online course. It also allowed the creation of user-generated content and increased user participation which is sometimes limited in an online program. Your fee is doubled if you’re an international student.
Another perk is that MOOC offers even if you choose to leave your course midway, you’ll be provided with the certification or qualification. This certification is not granted in an online course if you leave before completing your studies.
