MOOC Platforms

In recent years, the popularity of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has skyrocketed. Initially, MOOCs were primarily offered by top universities for academic purposes. However, they have now expanded into the corporate and private sectors, with companies like Google utilizing MOOCs for employee training.

If you're considering a MOOC for language learning, selecting the right platform is crucial. In this article, we will assess five popular free MOOC platforms, namely:

1. edX
2. Moodle
3. CourseSites by Blackboard
4. Udemy (free version)
5. Versal (free version)

Let's dive deeper into each platform and explore their features, suitability, and potential advantages for language learners.

edX: The Modern and Robust Choice

edX is an open-source platform that has gained recognition as a leading MOOC provider. Renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT offer courses on this platform, making it a trusted choice for large-scale online education. With a fast and modern interface, edX can handle large enrollments and offers a flexible, robust course-management system.

Key Features of edX:

• Open-source platform with a modern feel
• Accommodates large enrollments
• Offers best-in-class content from prestigious institutions
• Requires investment in installation and maintenance

edX is suitable for organizations seeking a modern and flexible platform for language learning. Although it requires initial investment and maintenance, the potential return is a top-notch learning experience for thousands of students.

Moodle: The Customizable Learning Management System

Moodle, an open-source Learning Management System (LMS), was initially designed for traditional online classrooms but can also support MOOCs. Compared to edX, Moodle is easier to install and offers numerous hosted or one-click install options.

Key Features of Moodle:

• Full-featured, customizable LMS
• Offers a wide range of educational tools, analytics, and SCORM compliance
• Established for over a decade
• Numerous configuration options can be overwhelming
• System performance may be affected by a large number of students

Moodle is ideal for organizations that value customization, extensive educational tools, and SCORM compliance. However, the platform's age and complexity may pose challenges for newcomers.

CourseSites by Blackboard: The Robust and Cloud-Based Solution

CourseSites by Blackboard is a robust platform with features comparable to Moodle. It offers extensive teaching tools, reporting capabilities, and SCORM compliance. Additionally, CourseSites is a cloud-based platform, eliminating the need for maintenance or upgrades.

Key Features of CourseSites by Blackboard:

• Comparable to Moodle in terms of features
• Cloud-based platform with quick course setup
• Free for up to five live courses
• Courses are branded with the Blackboard logo
• Students must register with Blackboard to access courses

CourseSites is an excellent option for individuals, such as teachers changing part of their curriculum online, or organizations looking to experiment with online courses without the hassle of installation. While there are limitations on course branding and a maximum of five courses, CourseSites offers the highest number of features with minimal maintenance costs.

Udemy (Free Version): The YouTube for MOOCs

Udemy has established itself as a prominent platform for private MOOCs, often referred to as the "YouTube for MOOCs". It allows instructors to create and host their courses, either for free or a fee. Udemy boasts a substantial user base of 2,000,000 registered students, providing significant exposure for course creators.

Key Features of Udemy (Free Version):

• Focuses on private MOOCs
• Enables instructors to easily build and monetize courses
• Large user base for potential student reach
• Courses hosted on Udemy's platform

Udemy is ideal for individuals, such as coders, photographers, designers, and subject matter specialists, who wish to share their knowledge through online courses. The platform's strength lies in its extensive user base, allowing instructors to tap into a vast pool of potential students.

Versal (Free Version): The Intuitive Tutorial Platform

Versal offers a unique and intuitive platform for creating sleek tutorials. With its drag-and-drop functionality, users can build courses without any coding knowledge. Versal courses can be embedded on other websites, making it suitable for individuals who want to create tutorials for specific purposes.

Key Features of Versal (Free Version):

• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
• Allows users to create tutorials without coding
• Courses can be embedded on external websites
• Lacks certain MOOC elements like discussion functionality

Versal is best suited for individuals, such as teachers creating assignments or musicians designing short music theory courses for their blogs. While it may not be a traditional MOOC platform, Versal's tutorial-focused features make it a platform worth considering, especially as the company plans to develop additional functionality in the future.

There are also such platforms as Coursera, Canvas, Udacity. Check it, if you are interested!

Choosing the Right Platform

When selecting a MOOC platform for language learning, it's essential to consider your specific requirements. Each platform offers unique features and advantages, so it's crucial to explore demos and envision how your content will fit within the platform's structure.

Remember, these platforms primarily rely on common content elements such as videos, PDFs, quizzes, etc. Therefore, migrating a course from one platform to another during the building process is relatively straightforward.

In conclusion, edX, Moodle, CourseSites by Blackboard, Udemy (free version), and Versal (free version) are all viable options for language learners interested in MOOCs. By understanding their features and suitability, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your language learning goals.