1. © University of Reading 2011www.reading.ac.uk/isli International Study and Language Institute Delivering a MOOC - our experience Dr Liz Wilding and Steve Thomas

2. International Study and Language Institute A Beginner’s Guide to Academic Writing 5 weeks 18,000+ students enrolled from 100+ countries 8,406 ‘active’ learners 5,662 ‘social’ learners 8 educators / mentors (1 hour per day)

3. International Study and Language Institute Anyone can ‘attend’ “my concern is not so much about a student's essay in a beginners' class, but rather with the underlying ideological (marxian) discourse propagated here in a subliminal, yet rather gross, way which has honestly nothing to do with academic writing. “ Challenges

4. International Study and Language Institute A trip into the unknown Restricted ability to react and adapt as necessary Direct contact with relatively few students Overwhelming volume of written comments / feedback Yet…….. Highly visible engagement with content Positive, written feedback - rewarding Challenges

5. International Study and Language Institute Our Tips…… Preparation is key How will you engage the students? (content, variety, and the human element) Communication with UoR mooc team Consider professional video producers Allow time to rehearse! Mentor training – and contact throughout the course Strategic feedback – global comments - followers Peer feedback training – useful resource

6. International Study and Language Institute What they liked…… “it was well-structured, information was clear, the progression steps were logical, good rhythm, videos were short.” “I liked the structure very much, the variations of texts, videos and practice didn't make it boring to follow each week. In my opinion it is also supports e-learning to have a visual feedback during the course.”

7. International Study and Language Institute What they liked…… “It’s the first time that i follow an online course and i found it very pleasant, easy to follow and not too bulky. Very interactive, it seems that we were all so close to each other. A very nice way of learning.”

8. International Study and Language Institute Room for improvement…. “But I'm not too satisfy by the feedback I got back from my essay, as there're barely suggestion for me to improve my writing.” “No feedback received from any mentors – disappointed. “ “More quizzes and approved, official, legitimate and up-to-date referential materials, books, and online websites links as UC Berkeley has done at edx.

9. International Study and Language Institute Finally…… “A very good course from a great university.”