MOOCs Don't Cannabalize Traditional Education
Episode Description
he question keeps educators up at night: Do free, massive open online courses cannibalize enrollment at traditional schools? The results are finally in, part of a new study co-authored by Wharton professor Ezekiel J. Emanuel. Rather than poaching traditional students, MOOCs reach new audiences that business schools, at least, want to target.
In this Knowledge@Wharton interview, Emanuel notes that "it doesn't seem that MOOCs are undermining traditional business schools, but may be complementing them, enriching them and providing a great opportunity to [engage] other diverse student bodies." 📂 Innovation 🏷️ Research
Brief Summary
MOOCs may enhance business education by attracting diverse, underrepresented students rather than undermining traditional MBA programs.
Key points
- Surprising Findings on Mukes. Mukes attract a diverse group of students, including underrepresented minorities and those from developing countries.
- Women Underrepresented in Mukes. Women, especially in developing countries, face barriers in accessing mukes.
- Opportunities for Business Schools. Mukes should be seen as opportunities to enhance traditional education, not threats.
- Enrollment vs. Completion Rates. High enrollment numbers in mukes contrast sharply with low completion rates.
- Research Focus on Global Education. The University of Pennsylvania aims to enhance education for students in developing countries through mukes.
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Episode highlights
- Surprising Findings on MukesMukes attract a diverse group of students, including underrepresented minorities and those from developing countries.“Mukes seem to be attracting people who are not in the usual MBA programs.”0:48Jun 3, 2014
- Women Underrepresented in MukesWomen, especially in developing countries, face barriers in accessing mukes.“Women in developing countries did not fare that well in these mukes.”4:11Jun 3, 2014
- Opportunities for Business SchoolsMukes should be seen as opportunities to enhance traditional education, not threats.“They should look at mukes as opportunities, not as competitive.”6:33Jun 3, 2014
- Enrollment vs. Completion RatesHigh enrollment numbers in mukes contrast sharply with low completion rates.“Only about five or 10% of those who started the course actually complete it.”10:00Jun 3, 2014
- Research Focus on Global EducationThe University of Pennsylvania aims to enhance education for students in developing countries through mukes.“We are committed to understanding who is using massive online courses.”13:08Jun 3, 2014
