Operationalizing the Learner-Centric MOOC model using Communities of Practice

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been around for quite some time and have revolutionized the field of education They have gained popularity and have grown exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge is to design and develop a MOOC which can engage the learners. In order to achieve this, the two important requirements are a robust MOOC creation model, and a collaborative team to orchestrate the design elements of the MOOC in an effective manner. In this research, we have selected the Learner-Centric MOOC (LCM) model and used the theory of 'Communities of Practice' (CoPs) to facilitate and implement the LCM model. We found that the collaboration focused around the LCM model has helped the model evolve in various dimensions. There is a modular adoption of the model in face-to-face, blended, and online learning sessions. The CoPs also resulted in capacity building, collaboration, and adaptation of the LCM principles to different teaching-learning environments. This mode of operationalizing the LCM model paves way for a larger, but organic reach out, systematic upgradation of its tenets, and evaluation of the model across domains.