MOOCs

MOOC = Massively Open Online Course, ". . . a model of educational delivery that is, to varying degrees, massive, with theoretically no limit to enrollment; open, allowing anyone to participate, usually at no cost; online, with learning activities typically taking place over the web; and a course, structured around a set of learning goals in a defined area of study." 

The above is from a new issue in the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative's very useful "7 Things You Should Know About. . ." -- "7 Things You Should Know About MOOCs II." 

The 7 Things You Should Know About... series from the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) provides concise information on emerging learning technologies. Each brief focuses on a single technology and describes what it is, where it is going, and why it matters to teaching and learning. Use these briefs for a no-jargon, quick overview of a topic and share them with time-pressed colleagues.

What are the seven things about MOOCs? 

1. What is it? (See above.) 
2. How does it work? 
3. Who's doing it? 
4. Why is it significant? 
5. What are the downsides? 
6. Where is it going? 
7. What are the implications for teaching and learning?