Can online courses/MOOCs really bring about more student ownership and driving of their learning?  How do they need to be designed to achieve this?  I thought I ‘d explore this by undertaking a Data, Analytics and Learning program, led by George Siemers and focused on exploring more innovative approaches. One of George’s comments really struck a chord for me in terms of promoting true interaction but also in catering  for differing student learning needs. This was about students who are newcomers to topics needing more structure initially but other students, even in the early stages, being ready to fly and needing more chances to immediately work independently! So, George is exploring a choose your own adventure approach, allowing for some students to work through the structured materials, while other students get involved in social interactions and collaborative work. A help buddy system is also available for those needing contact with peers.

The Data, Analytics and Learning program and flexible approach has been developed from bringing students together to interact about their MOOC/online experiences.

This course really seeks to make students the designers of their  learning and ‘active architects of the community’