MOOCS – A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH OR A TEMPORARY PHENOMENON

Abstract. The digital revolution has dramatically changed our everyday life. Using the Internet has evolved into a key technology that became an indispensable information source. The expansion of Internet usage beyond mere information storage to a learning and communication tool sets new standards for the development of educational concepts. Digital textbooks, multimedia tutorials, elearning offers using learning management systems and massive open online courses (MOOCs) demonstrate the development phases of new strategies for knowledge transfer. Initially starting in the USA MOOC platforms like Udacity, Coursera or edX had gained an enormous media attention caused by the huge number of participants. Initially this new teaching method was welcomed euphorically; the didactic preparation of courses is however viewed with scepticism, particularly in Europe.

This paper will review the status of MOOCs, with a particular emphasis on Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, and Geomatics. A selection of these 'Geo-MOOCs' will be presented. The consideration of these free online learning resources will include a commentary on quality and perceived effectiveness. Finally it will be outlined if MOOCs are reasonable and promising in our fields.