Presentation given at Internet Librarian International pre-conference workshop on MOOCs. I was invited to give a presentation from the perspective of a learner who has studied by using MOOCs. The presentation provides background information to me as a MOOC learner, and an overview of my experiences studying for two different Coursera courses.

1. MOOCs:
The learner's perspective
Jo Alcock
@joeyanne
Jo.Alcock@bcu.ac.uk
Evidence Base
Birmingham City University
Internet Librarian International 2013

3. My journey
- Optional
Bangor University
BSc(Hons)
Sports Science
Maths
modules in first year
- ECDL during second
year
- Sports Psychology
focus in final year

4. My journey
- Writing minutes
- Creating displays
- Designing e-learning
University of
Wolverhampton
packages
- Evidence-based
librarianship
- Advanced ECDL

5. My journey
Aberystwyth
University
MScEcon Information
and Library Studies
Modules:
- Business
information
- Ebooks &
Digitisation
- Dissertation on
strategic
marketing

6. My journey
- CILIP Chartership
- PRINCE2
Birmingham City
University
Evidence Based
Researcher
Foundation and
Practitioner
- ALA Emerging
Leaders
- ILM Award in
Coaching
- Award in
Consulting

7. Why MOOCs?
Intrigued by MOOCs and their models
Cost effective way to learn
Low risk way to learn about different
subjects
Flexible approach - can be done at home
LEARN ALL THE THINGS!

8. My Coursera
Experience
Organizational
Analysis
Social
Psychology

9. Organizational
Analysis
Stanford University
Basic track (no
assignments)
2-3hrs per week for
10 weeks
Final multiple
choice exam

10. Social Psychology
Wesleyan University
Advanced track
(extra reading and
weekly assignments)
8-10 hours per week
for 6 weeks
Final multiple choice
exam

11. My Coursera
Experience
Much more
enjoyment when
topic can be
applied
Peer assessment
process was
interesting to be
involved in
Happy to contribute
minimal finances
but prefer free
reading materials
Learnt much more
when completing
lectures, readings
and assignments

12. What I have learnt
To research the type
of course before
beginning to see if
style suits my needs
I enjoy studying
topics I can apply in
work/life situations
I'm motivated by
rewards

13. Thank you
Jo.Alcock@bcu.ac.uk
@joeyanne
Internet Librarian International 2013