Marching Towards Access and Equity in Higher Education – An Exploration of Infinite Possibilities of MOOC

Abstract

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are a relatively recent online learning model with infinite possibilities of offering freedom for access to higher education. The MOOC design depicts a future of openness in higher education. The evolution of MOOC based on the ideals that knowledge should be shared freely, and the urge to learn should be met without demographic, economic, and geographical constraints. In this framework, creative use of technologies makes a wide variety of open education provision. Along the movement towards open education, this new scenario opens up spaces for sharing thoughts, collaborating between institutions, educators and learners locally and internationally, and for expediting more meaningful teaching and learning process. In order to raise awareness of MOOCs and their implications for Higher Education sector in India, this paper synthesises features and characteristics of MOOCs and describes their potential as an innovation towards greater openness in Higher Education. Also, the paper tries to discuss possibilities and challenges to integrate MOOCs into higher education system of India.