Behind the Scenes of an Independent MOOC: Instructional Design Problems and Solutions

Abstract

Designing and implementing a MOOC poses new challenges to instructional designers, even though their knowledge of instructional design processes and pedagogical techniques still applies. This paper documents the design process used for an independent professional development MOOC, focusing on design challenges and solutions in five areas: scalability, flexibility, interaction, media, and assessment. Two key elements of success included creating a facilitation plan with clear roles for all members of the instructional team and supporting both learners who desired a guided learning path with rewards for meeting learning outcomes and learners who sought an open space for networking and sharing related to the course topic.