The Future of Online Learning: What’s Next After MOOCs

In the last decade, education has seen a lot of movement owing to the introduction of MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platforms like edX and Coursera. The advent and widespread use of these MOOC platforms at the same time allowed millions of people from different parts of the world to get acquainted with different subjects and receive quality education. The MOOC platform, for instance, opens the door for people to choose anything from art history to computer science. However, though the benefits of MOOC platforms are well documented they also come with some limitations that could hinder the users' learning process. Among the barriers that MOOC platform users may experience are lack of support, low completion rates, and low engagement, which may lead to them not being able to finish their courses and/or interact with the materials at all.

The main trend for online learning is likely that it will take over the current MOOC platforms by offering even more varied and advanced technological options. Micro-learning, for instance, is a concept that supports the argument because it is an emerging trend in learning as many learners now want to integrate learning into their busy lives and AI is the main force behind all the changes in education because it not only helps students receive personalized feedback but also gives the early warning of any weak subject that may come up during the studying process. Apart from this, the technology has also played a big role in educational areas such as augmented and virtual reality learning, which could include the use of virtual labs (home or historical) for learning.

Social and collaborative technologies are breaking down the walls of learning communities thus creating completely new interactive pathways where the students collaborate with their peers and even connect globally. Social and collaborative tools can be considered as facilitators through which learners can not only get the same education that their peers in other countries do but they also have the option of connecting and collaborating with them.