DDL: The Addition of a “Mentor Forum” in a MOOC - Modeling and Scaffolding

• In Event: Roundtables Wed3
  In Roundtable Session: DDL - Roundtables Wed3

Short Description

Inspired and informed by sociocultural learning theory, this study involved the use of mentors, combined with the addition of a Mentor Forum (MF) in a MOOC. The preliminary findings revealed that mentors played significant roles in modeling and moderating communication in a MOOC discussion forum, and MF served as an effective piece for instructor-mentor-student interaction. This presentation will provide suggestions for future MOOC design in regard to reducing instructors’ workload and implementing peer-learning strategies.

Authors

• Qing Zhang, Virginia Tech

• Marcus Childress, Baker University