Shortly before 2010, the newest revolutionary educational tool was the MOOC (mass online open course). This allowed anyone in the world to take free courses online and to set their own pace for going through the class.
Over time, limitations and downsides of MOOC learning have become apparent and recent data has shown declining enrollment and low completion rates for these types of courses. To adapt, educational platforms have begun to offer students a more immersive experience known as cohort-based learning.
Shortly before 2010, the newest revolutionary educational tool was the MOOC (mass online open … [+]
What is Cohort-Based Learning?
Cohort-based programs differ from MOOCs in that students take a series of classes together as a group. Students have the same learning schedules and deadlines as opposed to working at their own pace. The group atmosphere leads to students striving to keep up with the pack and not fall behind in coursework.
This is a notable departure from MOOCs, where students might struggle to complete a course without motivation from peers. Another notable difference is the price; cohort based courses can range anywhere from $500 up to more than $5,000. This acts as a barrier to entry, but it also acts as a deterrent to giving up since money has been invested. By contrast, most MOOC courses are free.
Learning in this cohort environment can increase student success rates due to interaction and accountability. Students also often have access to the instructor and can ask other classmates for help and collaboration, giving them a satisfying sense of community and purpose that is often lacking in MOOCs.
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Who Uses Cohort-Based Learning?
Traditionally, cohort-based learning works best in higher education settings. And with more students seeking degrees or additional certifications online due to Covid-19 restrictions, demand has become higher than ever. Some institutions have seen the number of enrolled students double for just their online MBA programs alone.
But higher education isn’t the only area where cohort-based learning is beginning to become the preferred mode of instruction. Individuals seeking trade certifications can join classes as a group and advance through a program together. Businesses could focus on upskilling staff and enroll an entire team in a course. Cohorts can cover ground as large as multiple related classes or as small as a single book.
One such example of a small-scale cohort is a group centered around Soundarya Balasubramani’s course on productivity and mindful planning. She plans to integrate the best of both worlds by teaching a cohort of 50 students from around the world in a virtual, live setting. Aside from live classes, students also get to participate in mastermind sessions, get feedback from coaches, and engage with each other in a private community. By having these integrations in place to facilitate community, cohort-based courses can bridge the gap between mainstream online education, which is typically solitary, and that of traditional in-person classes.
Balasubramani is a graduate of Columbia University and author of Admitted: The Missing Guide to Craft a Winning Application & Study Abroad, which is a highly-rated best seller on Amazon India. In addition, she maintains a blog focusing on productivity, education, and career guidance. She notes the increase in demand for cohort-based courses with corresponding innovation by platforms such as Maven, Disco, and Virtually that facilitate creators and instructors. As one of the expert instructors on Maven, she sees immense value in learning in cohorts, having gone through a cohort-based course herself to create her online classes.
Networking Remains Key For Success
When it comes to the expected future success of a post-secondary student, data points to overall engagement as being a strong indicator. By taking an active interest in the learning environment and community, students are far more likely to graduate from their programs and, perhaps most importantly, create interpersonal relationships.
Those relationships, whether between peers or in a mentorship capacity, can have a huge impact on career trajectories. Some colleges have begun to make networking more of a priority and actively recruited alumni to engage with current students and give access to desirable placements upon graduation. Again, this is a benefit generally unavailable to those participating in MOOCs.
Networking in online cohort-based learning environments might not look the same as meeting in person, but the interactions between participants can still be substantial, especially for women and minorities. Video chats and meetings are becoming more commonplace, therefore offering an avenue for real, valuable facetime between students or between students and instructors. As technology continues to adapt in order to satisfy the demand of online education, networking and collaboration advancements will likely continue to facilitate the creation of beneficial relationships and connections.
MOOCs may have been the online education darling of the 2010’s, but 2020 is proving to be the decade of cohort-based learning. With greater interaction and engagement between all contributing members, cohort-based learning is a viable option for students, lifelong learners, and businesses who are looking for online education with comprehensive features in a more connected and personable environment.
