The document discusses strategies for creating MOOCs on a budget and compares xMOOCs and cMOOCs. It finds that xMOOCs require more upfront time and cost in preparation, while cMOOCs have higher costs during the course due to more interaction. However, proper planning can reduce time spent on xMOOCs later. For cMOOCs, using communication tools can reduce time. Overall, planning the MOOC as a research project using simple tools like spreadsheets can help reduce costs and save time and energy for both xMOOCs and cMOOCs when operating with limited resources.

2. Making MOOCs on a Budget
Pedagogies and Communication
xMOOCs vs cMOOCs

3. xMOOC vs cMOOC
• xMOOC – higher cost of preparation
– not much energy and time spent later
• cMOOC – higher cost during the Course
– not much investment in time and energy

4. xMOOC vs cMOOC
• Thinking of a MOOC as a project: planification,
(content, learning, team, tasks, execution,
evaluation, improvement, ...)
• Relevance of communication issues for
cMOOCs

5. xMOOC vs cMOOC
• Linking goal with
competences
• Clear learning path
• Surveys at the beginning,
in between, and just
before finishing course

6. MOOC Design Patterns
http://www.moocdesign.cde.london.ac.uk/outputs/patterns
• MOOC Design Pattern Mapping
• Design Pattern: See-do-share:
– Introducing new concepts, tools or
practices, in a way that would be
accessible and meaningful, assess
learners understanding, and
facilitate the emergence of social
constructs, with very limited
resources and large number of
students
• Design Pattern: Knowing the story
– Mark out the beginning, middle and
end of your learnign journey to help
the learner build a pathway

7. Conclusions by A. Margaryan et al.
Computers & Education 80 (2015) 77-83
• In comparison to xMOOCs, more cMOOCs scored higher on
– the criteria of authenticity of learning activities and resources
– measurability of learning objectives
– activation of prior knowledge/skill
– application and integration of new knowledge/skill
– collaboration with and learning from other participants
– contributing to collective knowledge
– accommodating learners' preferences.
• In contrast, xMOOCs slightly outperformed cMOOCs in terms of
– the organisation and presentation of course material.
– learning activities that require learners to broaden their range of
collaboration by working with others outside the course rather than
only teaming up with other course participants.

8. On a budget...
• Saving time: planning well an xMOOC saves time later.
Using proper social networking, forums,
communication tools spares time in cMOOCs.
• Saving money: Using a simple spreadsheet for project
planning, rather than a costly project management
software.
• Saving energy: Plan the MOOC as a research project.
Use spreadsheet for what/how/who/when/where -
clear and simple. Some storytelling recharges staff
batteries and may spare some energy – besides making
the course more attractive.

9. Question open for discussion
So should xMOOCs be favored
vs. cMOOCs when considering a
low-cost approach?

10. Thanks for your attention.