This week, Education Dive took a look at higher ed analytics via Purdue University's CourseSignals program, but it was MOOCs that truly dominated the headlines.
The University of California-San Diego is seeing plenty of potential in its efforts to complement on-campus course offerings with MOOCs, particularly when it comes to skills and topics that don't necessarily require 15 weeks to learn. New research shows that students have their own concerns about the model, though — but that apparently isn't slowing them down when it comes to listing their accomplishments in such courses on college applications, according to admissions officers.
Be sure to check out our look at what's causing teacher shortages nationwide and more in this week's most-read Education Dive posts!
- Analytics programs show 'remarkable' results — and it's only the beginning: Purdue's Course Signals program uses data to track student engagement and performance, providing early warnings if they get off-course.
- New qualitative research explores students' MOOC concerns: The study reveals that quality and instructor availability are top of mind for traditional students who may be key to widespread adoption of the course format.
- MOOCs show promise in complementing UC-San Diego's campus offerings: UC San Diego offers a variety of MOOCs through Coursera and edX, which many of its own students take, rounding out their educations with cutting-edge skills they need for the workplace.
- Admissions officers seeing more MOOC credentials on applications: Prospective students are touting MOOC enrollment and completion, often in hopes of differentiating themselves from competitors.
- What's at the root of teacher shortages?: A Colorado administrator said the district's efficient and nurturing culture aided his ability to attract higher caliber candidates.
Would you like to see more education news like this in your inbox on a daily basis? Subscribe to our Education Dive email newsletter!
