Why Sociologists Should Study MOOCs

• In Event: 261 - Section on Sociological Practice and Public Sociology Paper Session. Sociology in Action

Abstract

As higher education and job training diversifies sociologists should engage in research on new forms of content delivery, particularly MOOCs. Sociological theories on access, equity, completion, human capital, credentialing, signaling, stratification and the value of degrees in the labor market would enrich the current research by examining not just the promise of new educational forms but the actual impact on students and educational institutions. In this paper, we summarize the current research on MOOCs as related to access and equity, work and the labor market and organizations. We argue that sociologists are uniquely suited to address the major gaps in the new area of research. sociologists

Authors

• Caren Arbeit, University of Minnesota

• Laura Horn, RTI International