1

Laura Howard
OMDE 610 9040
Journal Entry 12 (Module 4) (REVISED 4/4/16)
4/3/16

Reviewing the objectives of this module as indicated in the course content and syllabus
(University of Maryland University College, 2016a):
Module 4 has introduced some concepts in learning related to MOOCs. One of the tasks
for this module was to enroll in a MOOC class. This was something I was looking forward to
doing, since I am curious to see what is available. I found a website that has a list of MOOCs
at Online Course Report (http://www.onlinecoursereport.com/the-50-most-popular-moocs-ofall-time/). One of the places that I saw in the list, and that I was interested in checking out,
was the Harvard online classes. That brought me to edx.org (www.edx.org) which led to me
to a list of courses which I could select and enroll for instantly from HarvardX
(https://www.edx.org/school/harvardx). I found the class Introduction to Computer Science
(https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x) and enrolled in
that course as an audited student. I can also choose if I want to pursue this class for a
certificate (https://ecommerce.edx.org/basket/). I like to think that it is amazing that I am
enrolled in a class at Harvard!
There are some more concepts and points I learned about and found interesting in this
module. Downes (2007) explanation of traits that should be included in networking
(Downes, 2007), was well defined in my opinion. Downes (2007) explains the components of
importance in a network are, diversity, interaction, openness and autonomy (Downes,
2007). There also is some interesting research and insight from gsiemens (2012) that I would

like to highlight for a MOOC. A MOOC environment allows for a student to learn more on
their own without the direct standards of an instructor (gsiemens, 2012). Also the MOOC
environment can support various types of environments such as social media and other types
of online media to provide educational resources (gsiemens, 2012). I am curious to see how
well I would be able to learn in a MOOC environment since I have never been in one.

Questions remaining for this module and what would be the resolution(s)? (University of
Maryland University College, 2016a):
I really dont have any more questions, for this module 4. However, since I prefer
Harasims (2012) book the most out of all the literature for this class, I am curious to know
her insights on the connectivism theory. The module 4 course information from the
University of Maryland University College (2016b) and Prof. Steve Kerby (2016) explained
that Harasims (2012) book, did not discuss information specifically on connectivism
(University of Maryland University College, 2016b; Kerby, 2016), but I would be interested
in reading Harasims writings if she has any on this topic. I looked briefly online to see if she
has any research on this topic and could not find any. I am curious to know if Harasim thinks
connectivism is a theory that is relevant and should be used. I am also curious to know if she
feels like Kop and Hill (2008), where they discussed how they think connectivisim should
not be considered a solid theory yet (Steve Kerby (2016) also explained this about the Kop
and Hills (2008) article in his video (Kerby, 2016), which also focused my thinking on this,
and the University of Maryland University College (2016b) content also explains that the
Kop and Hill (2008) article examines connectivisim and elaborates on conflicting insight and
analysis (University of Maryland University College, 2012b), although they respectfully give
connectivisim credit for its components (Kop & Hill, 2008). I would hope to see another

Harasim book for one of my future classes, and that she would continue to provide more of
her insight and research.

References

Downes, S. (2007, November 27). An introduction to connective knowledge [Web log post].
Retrieved from http://www.downes.ca/post/33034
gsiemens. (2012, June 3). What is the theory that underpins our moocs? [Web log post].
Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/blog/2012/06/03/what-is-the-theory-thatunderpins-our-moocs/
Harasim, L. (2012). Learning theory and online technologies. New York & United Kingdom:
Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. doi: 10.4324/9780203846933

Kop. R., & Hill, A. (2008). Connectivism learning theory of the future or vestige of the past?
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 9(3), 1-13. Retrieved
from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/523/1137
Kerby, S. (2016, March 21). Welcome to module 4 OMDE 610 spring 2016 [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiJIUWnVVwU&feature=youtu.be
Online Course Report. (2016). The 50 most popular MOOCS of all time. Online Course Report.
Retrieved from http://www.onlinecoursereport.com/the-50-most-popular-moocs-of-alltime/
University of Maryland University College. (2016a). OMDE 610 9040 Teaching and learning in
online distance education (2162) OMDE-610 [Course syllabus]. OMDE 610-9040,
Spring 2016, [Teaching and learning in online distance education (2162) OMDE-610].
Master of Distance Education and E-learning, University of Maryland University
College, Retrieved from
https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/124340/viewContent/5442289/View
University of Maryland University College. (2016b). Module 4 - Connectivism, communities of
practice, & MOOCs [Online course content]. OMDE 610-9040, Spring 2016, [Teaching
and learning in online distance education (2162)] Master of Distance Education and Elearning, University of Maryland University College, Retrieved from
https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/124340/viewContent/5442335/View