Education entrepreneur and founder Michael Strong recently asserted that Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have largely "failed" to achieve their broader educational goals. In a recent social media post, Strong contended that MOOCs primarily appeal to a small segment of highly motivated, self-directed learners, who he described as "often tech geeks themselves," and are not representative of the general population's learning styles.
"MOOCs failed because they attracted only a single-digit percentage of learners who can learn in isolation. These motivated self-learners, often tech geeks themselves, are not representative of how most people actually learn," Strong stated in the tweet.
This perspective aligns with long-standing concerns regarding MOOC completion rates. Studies, including an analysis of MIT and Harvard edX courses from 2012 to 2018, consistently show overall completion rates for all participants hovering around 3.13% in 2017-18, a decline from earlier years. Even among "verified" students who paid for courses, completion rates were around 46% in 2017-18, suggesting a persistent challenge in learner retention.
Despite significant investment in course development and learning research, these rates have "barely budged," according to researchers. While some argue that completion rates are an inadequate measure of MOOC success, as many learners may engage with content for specific knowledge acquisition without intending to finish a full course, the low figures highlight a fundamental disconnect between the MOOC format and the needs of a wider audience. Efforts to implement behavioral interventions to boost completion have also largely proven ineffective.
Michael Strong, known for his work in establishing innovative educational institutions like Moreno Valley High School and KoSchool, has consistently advocated for learning environments that cater to diverse student needs and foster deeper engagement beyond traditional models. His critique underscores the importance of pedagogical approaches that extend beyond mere content delivery, emphasizing interaction, support, and varied learning modalities.
The ongoing debate surrounding MOOCs reflects a broader discussion about the future of online education. While MOOCs have undeniably democratized access to high-quality educational content globally, their effectiveness in fostering widespread learning outcomes remains a subject of considerable scrutiny, particularly for learners who require more structured and interactive support.