The Challenges of Obtaining College Credit for MOOCs

Many students are eager to use Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as a means to gain college credit. However, the road from enrolling in a MOOC to earning credit can be complex and fraught with challenges. This article explores the reasons why many colleges and universities do not grant credit for MOOCs and discusses the steps students can take to potentially earn credit despite these obstacles.

Accreditation Issues and MOOCs

Accreditation of MOOCs is often the first hurdle that students face. Many MOOCs are provided by non-accredited institutions or are not recognized as part of a fully accredited academic program. Colleges typically require accreditation to ensure that the material meets rigorous educational standards. Without this, it can be extremely difficult to have MOOCs accepted for credit.

Assessment and Evaluation in MOOCs

Assessment and evaluation methods used in MOOCs can also pose difficulties. Traditional courses often rely on standardized tests and evaluations to measure student performance, while MOOCs may use a variety of assessment tools, including discussions, quizzes, and project-based assignments. These alternative methods can make it difficult for colleges to validate the learning outcomes achieved in a MOOC.

Course Rigor and Engagement

Course rigor and engagement are also points of contention. Many MOOCs are designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, which can mean that they are less rigorous than traditional college courses. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interactions and support structures in MOOCs can result in lower student engagement levels. These factors make it challenging for colleges to recognize MOOCs as equivalent to their own courses.

Transfer Policies and Institutional Resistance

Transfer policies at individual colleges and universities create additional barriers. Each institution has its own guidelines for accepting transfer credit, and many have not yet established clear policies for MOOCs. This inconsistency can make it difficult for students to navigate the process. Moreover, some colleges may be resistant to accepting MOOCs due to concerns about the impact on enrollment and revenue, as well as the perceived value of traditional education.

Partnerships and Collaborations

While some institutions have begun collaborating with MOOC providers to offer credit-bearing courses, this is still not widespread. Many students may need to look for specific partnerships or courses that are designed to be transferable to their college.

Options for Earning Credit

Despite these challenges, there are still options for earning college credit through MOOCs. Some institutions have ACE (American Council on Education) recommendations, which can make it easier to have MOOCs recognized for credit. Additionally, some MOOCs are specifically designed to provide credit at the institution that teaches the course. However, these options are not widely available.

The portfolio evaluation process is another option, where a student can demonstrate that a MOOC's outcomes align with a college course. This can lead to the opportunity to earn credit, but it varies widely by institution and is not commonly offered.

Lastly, some colleges have established their own agreements with MOOC providers to offer credit. These are the rarest option, but they do exist.

Challenges in Using MOOCs for College Credit

Two major challenges face students who wish to use MOOCs for college credit:

The material covered in a MOOC may not align with the curriculum at the college, making it challenging to earn credit. At best, students may only be able to get elective credit. MOOCs are often shorter in duration and less intensive than traditional college courses. A 3-credit traditional course requires approximately 135 hours of work, both in-class and out. Most MOOCs do not come close to this level of intensity. Therefore, even if a MOOC course contributes to some credit, it may not be a substantial enough contributor to a student's overall credit load.

In conclusion, while MOOCs have the potential to be a valuable educational resource, the process of obtaining college credit for them can be complex and challenging. Students should consult their institution's policies and explore all available options if they wish to use MOOCs towards their degree.