Education is an economic, political and social development and this idea and the problems this results in is tackled by research from Shahrzad Ardavani. 25%
university students leave Iran: lack of jobs, superior research options,
avoiding military service, candidates for suitable jobs in governments have to
meet many non-professional related factors.
But what is a MOOC and hat does it stand for? Can digital
learning of MOOC be applied to Iran and other developing countries. What are
the pedagogical problems? MOOCs might not be as efficient for students in
developing countries, they cannot feel the benefit of MOOCs due to a number of
issues. Both infrastructure , language, educational policy makers concerned with
international influence of MOOCs on the national educational system, some
websites are restricted (culture and politics). Independent thinking is not
encouraged. Coursera has attracted volunteers to translate MOOCs.
There are also problems from developing countries: ethos and
pedagogic principles of MOOCs are aligned with the characteristics of
educational terminology of their individual nation. The place where artefacts are
being produced for FutureLearn overlooks barriers for global learners. The
method of learning is different depending on the region, which is not always
reflected in MOOCs.
A western tool carries western assumptions, eg. The users
are not always familiar with self-directed learning. Therefor it is difficult
to translate the MOOC platform to developing countries, in order to address
these issues.
Symbiotic relationship: pedagogy of MOOCs looking at
teaching approaches, disciplinary norms, the way learners interact within the
course, participants learning culture. To investigate this, Engestrom’s
activity theory (third generation) is being used, as it looks at the full
system. It also allows a look at strength and weaknesses in a system. The
project looks at FutureLearn, than compares native English students and Iranian
students. To look at the differences between all elements.
(Inge sent link on activity theory from Grainne you saw
passing on FB).
