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Lessons I Learned from Creating a MOOC

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My work with Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)​ began two years ago when I joined​ ​the Center for Teaching and Learning​ at Columbia University​. I ​didn’t have previous experience working on MOOCs but I was excited to take on this new endeavor. The course​ that I worked on​ was a three-part series based on the Civil War and Reconstruction​ taught by DeWitt Clinton Professor of History Eric Foner. My role on this project was to edit the course videos and assist with ​its design. The course​ enrollment​ reached twelve thousand worldwide​. Many of ​the enrollees were history buffs as well as those who were learning about the Civil War and Reconstruction for the first time.

Along the way I learned many valuable lessons. I kept a journal of my thoughts, ideas, successes and failures on a small notebook. Looking back,​ I’m amazed at the amount of work that was covered. I learned how to design an effective course using the edX platform. I had the opportunity to see the course develop into a MOOC from the perspective of a video editor and a course designer.

I gathered these thoughts and lessons from my notebook and I created a Google document to share with others who are interested in creating MOOCs. I frequently update the document with new ideas, thoughts​,​ and tips. ​I’ve​ learned so much about MOOCs in the past two years and I’ve had the honor to work with many talented people from CTL who have taught me a great deal throughout this journey. I would love to hear some of your thoughts, ideas and tips on how to build an effective MOOC course.

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Printed from: https://compiled.ctl.columbia.edu/articles/mooc-edex-experience/