ABSTRACT
Massive open online courses, or MOOCs, are a relatively new educational advancement, one that some have heralded as having the potential to solve global higher education enrollment challenges. Despite their potential, or what education problems MOOCs end up resolving, many lessons have already been realized. MOOCs can be seen as a large online experiment at the crossroads of digital media and education at a distance. In this chapter, we argue that both the advanced technology and innovative pedagogical approaches offer great potential to impact the future. We present an overview of the technologies and pedagogies that are part of the MOOC arena. Finally, in this chapter, we highlight the iMOOC design that incorporates the best elements of evidence-based online and distance education research. MOOCs are and continue to be a digital disruption of higher education, and the impact of this innovation is still unfolding.
