TY - JOUR

T1 - Designing a Rubric to Measure Elements of Transformative Learning in Online Learning: A Case Study of a FutureLearn MOOC

AU - Beer, Nicola

PY - 2019/9/9

Y1 - 2019/9/9

N2 - This study evaluates a two-week MOOC delivered on FutureLearn as part of an MSc in Nursing accredited by Coventry University to establish whether learners are demonstrating transformative learning. Evaluation is in the form of a rubric which is designed using Mezirow’s theory of Transformative Learning as a theoretical framework, alongside the activity types used to inform design of FutureLearn courses.The literature review finds that there is a gap in the research in evaluating for-credit MOOCs against the intended educational aims of the accrediting institution. The rubric created for this research attempts to fill that gap, by providing a means to evaluate both student learning and learning design.The rubric identifies that the learners on this course are demonstrating elements of transformative learning at the lower levels of Mezirow’s seven stages of critical reflection. Although the rubric was designed with the aim of evaluating MOOCs, it can be applied to any online learning experience that includes student engagement, either written or spoken. The paper makes recommendations for future developments and further research.

AB - This study evaluates a two-week MOOC delivered on FutureLearn as part of an MSc in Nursing accredited by Coventry University to establish whether learners are demonstrating transformative learning. Evaluation is in the form of a rubric which is designed using Mezirow’s theory of Transformative Learning as a theoretical framework, alongside the activity types used to inform design of FutureLearn courses.The literature review finds that there is a gap in the research in evaluating for-credit MOOCs against the intended educational aims of the accrediting institution. The rubric created for this research attempts to fill that gap, by providing a means to evaluate both student learning and learning design.The rubric identifies that the learners on this course are demonstrating elements of transformative learning at the lower levels of Mezirow’s seven stages of critical reflection. Although the rubric was designed with the aim of evaluating MOOCs, it can be applied to any online learning experience that includes student engagement, either written or spoken. The paper makes recommendations for future developments and further research.

KW - Transformative learning

KW - MOOCs

KW - Online Learning

KW - Distance learning

KW - FutureLearn

U2 - 10.5334/jime.506

DO - 10.5334/jime.506

M3 - Journal article

VL - 2019

SP - 7

EP - 8

JO - Journal of Interactive Media in Education

JF - Journal of Interactive Media in Education

SN - 1365-893X

IS - 1

ER -