New Librarianship MOOC Review

I survived my first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course).  It was fun.  It was informative.  And I now understand why MOOCs tend to have low completion rates.  It is completely self-directed.  If you don't log in and participate no one is coming after you or holding you responsible.  But if you've got the determination and self-discipline to see it through it can be a great experience. 

I enrolled in The Atlas of New Librarianship MOOC sponsored by Syracuse University.  Professor David Lankes wrote the book by the same name and teaches at the school so it all ties in together.  The class consisted of readings from the book, short video lectures by Lankes, in which he explained and expanded on topics from the book, and a comments section where faculty and students could comment on what we were learning.  Each section was followed by a brief quiz for comprehension.  And for those who desired (and could afford it) the course was worth 2 CEUs ($150) or, with some additional work and a full tuition charge a student could get graduate credit for the course.

Lankes' work is really quite theoretical, and frankly, some of it I just didn't get.  His book was not organized in a way that was easy to follow.  It had no index and no bibliography.  And some of his arguments just didn't hold together, but I'm just a librarian and not a scholar.  For some professional reviews of Lankes' work check out these blogs (full disclosure, Lankes mentioned these critics/reviews during the course discussion):

21st Century Library Blog's Review of the Atlas  http://21stcenturylibrary.com/2011/09/08/final-review-the-atlas-of-new-librarianship/

Progressive Librarians Guild review of the Atlas http://progressivelibrariansguild.org/content/pdf/harger_LankesAtlasPL36-37.pdf

Sense and Reference:
Lane Wilkenson's Review of the Atlas http://senseandreference.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/the-atlas-of-new-librarianship-essential-readings-in-the-philosophy-of-lis/
Lane's take on Constructivism and the Library http://senseandreference.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/libraries-are-not-in-the-construction-business/

All in all it was a great experience.  I got to hear some scholarly views about Conversation Theory and a possible future for libraries and librarians.  I got to participate in my very first MOOC.  And I started a couple of very interesting discussions at the Adult Services Desk at work.

 

I can't wait to take another!

What is a MOOC and Why Should We Care?

A MOOC is a Massive Open Online Course. The first MOOCs were generally science and technology courses offered for free, with no college credit, taught by expert in the field. As the courses catch on more and more topics are being offered for study and for-profit organizations are trying to get into the game. Some colleges are now charging for access to MOOCs with prices varying depending on whether the student wants CEUs or college credit for the course.

Students taking a MOOC are on their own, even more so than a regular online class.  As such, the drop out rate is high.  But those who complete their course gain skills and  knowledge that can help them get a better job and improve their lives.

As public librarians, it is worth our time to learn a little about MOOCs, because sooner or later someone is going to ask.  Students can enroll in a MOOC without being affiliated with a particular college or university and may need the library for computer access, written materials, or other assistance.

The major MOOC providers are:
Coursera
EdX
Udacity
Also, some colleges offer their own MOOCs

Student Advisor.com is a site that "offers free access to trusted educational conversations, college reviews, college comparison and match tools, planning guides, a social network of verified advisors and more."  They also have an entire MOOC Advisor site devoted to all things MOOC including student reviews of courses.

 
For an in depth article about MOOCs check out Massive Open Opportunity by Meredith Schwartz in the May 15, 2013 Library Journal. 

For the sake of full disclosure, I am taking a MOOC through Syracuse University's School of Information Science on Professor David Lankes's book The Atlas of New Librarianship.  It is rigorous, informative, and fun.  I will definitely enroll in another MOOC.