Reflections Of My First MOOC 1

I recently finished the Gamification course offered by the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business via Coursera.org.  The course was six weeks long and had more than 63,000 registered students.  Close to 6,000 finished and I was one of them.  I kept notes as I took the course.  Not of the content, but of my impressions, both good and not so good.

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The course design is fairly typical of MOOCs today.  Each week there were a dozen or so 10-15 minute PowerPoint presentation w/embedded talking head video, but with no interaction available.  This is followed by a weekly quiz of 10 multiple choice questions.  There were also three written assignments of increasing length and detail.  The written assignments are peer (student) graded by five other students.  At the end, there is a multiple choice final exam.  The quizzes, written assignments, and final were mandatory to complete the course.  There was also an optional discussion forum that was not graded.

Tips for Purchasing Replica Rolex Watches

In the world of luxury watches, Rolex stands as a symbol of prestige, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. However, acquiring a genuine Rolex timepiece can come with a hefty price tag, leading many enthusiasts to explore the option of purchasing replica Rolex watches. While replica watches offer a more affordable alternative, navigating the market for these replicas requires caution and discernment. Here are some essential tips to consider before purchasing a replica Rolex watch.

Understanding Replica Rolex Watches
What are replica Rolex watches?
Replica Rolex watches are unauthorized copies of genuine Rolex timepieces, designed to closely resemble the original models in appearance and function. These replicas are often produced using lower-cost materials and manufacturing processes, allowing for significant cost savings compared to authentic Rolex watches.

Factors to consider before purchasing
Before delving into the world of replica Rolex watches, it’s crucial to understand the implications and risks involved. Consider factors such as legalities, ethical concerns, and personal preferences before making a decision more https://shopluxwatches.co/.

Tips for Identifying Authenticity
When purchasing a replica Rolex watch, distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit models is essential to ensure value for money and avoid potential scams. Here are some tips for assessing the authenticity of a replica Rolex:

Examining the materials used
Authentic Rolex watches are crafted from high-quality materials, including stainless steel, precious metals like gold or platinum, and sapphire crystal for the watch face. Inspect the materials used in the replica closely and look for any discrepancies in quality or finish.

Analyzing the craftsmanship
Pay attention to the level of detail and precision in the craftsmanship of the watch. Genuine Rolex watches exhibit impeccable craftsmanship, with smooth movements, flawless engravings, and consistent finishing throughout the timepiece.

Verifying serial numbers and documentation
Authentic Rolex watches come with unique serial numbers and official documentation, including certificates of authenticity and warranty cards. Verify the serial numbers and cross-check them with Rolex’s database to ensure legitimacy.

Researching Sellers
With the proliferation of online marketplaces and unauthorized dealers, researching the seller is crucial to avoid scams and counterfeit products. Here’s what to look for when evaluating a seller:

Reputation of the seller
Choose reputable sellers with a track record of selling authentic products and providing excellent customer service. Avoid purchasing from unknown or dubious sources, as they may be selling counterfeit or inferior quality replicas.

Customer reviews and testimonials
Read reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge the seller’s reputation and reliability. Look for feedback regarding product quality, shipping times, and after-sales support to make an informed decision.

Return and warranty policies
Opt for sellers that offer transparent return and warranty policies, allowing you to return the product or seek assistance in case of any issues. Avoid sellers that have vague or restrictive policies, as they may not stand behind their products.

Setting a Budget
Before embarking on your search for a replica Rolex watch, it’s essential to establish a realistic budget based on your financial means and expectations. Consider the following factors when setting your budget:

Determining your spending limit
Decide how much you’re willing to spend on a replica Rolex watch, taking into account your financial situation and priorities. Be realistic about what you can afford and avoid overspending on impulse purchases.

Understanding pricing ranges
Replica Rolex watches are available at various price points, depending on factors such as the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and brand reputation. Research the market to understand the typical pricing ranges for replica Rolex watches and set your budget accordingly.

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My first impression was negative.  The professor started out the first video lesson as a World of Warcraft animated dragon.  I thought it was pretty cheesy, but hey, what do I know?  Impressions:

  • Overall, the video production values of the lectures was good.  However, there were a few times the audio was not synced to the video.
  • The lectures covered a wide range of topics with good accompanying examples.  Every time the professor introduced a new topic, he had visual examples to show it.
  • The scaffolding was pretty good.  He started out with the basics and then built into more complicated subjects based on the fundamentals he previously covered.
  • I found the discussion forum overwhelming because there were so many people posting.  I was unable to form any kind of bond with anyone because there were just too many people.
  • Thank God the lectures were chunked.  I never would be able to get through video lectures like that if there were an hour long.
  • I found the written assignment feedback from other “students” to be a joke.  I’d get feedback like “nice,” “good,” “cool.”  Yeah, really useful to me.

So, it did not use state of the art technology to engage the students.  It did pretty much replicate what the vast majority of schools still do: sit in a classroom or auditorium and listen to a lecture.

Does a course like this deserve college credit?  In my opinion, no.  The technology exists to make content like this much more interactive and engaging.  The technology also exists to better assess the students mastery of the subject.  Besides, my impression is there really was not enough content to warrant college credit.  Hmm, maybe one credit point.  It only took about 2-3 hours a week or work.

Bottom line…was I thrilled?  No.  Will I take another MOOC?  Yes.  Only next time I probably won’t do the assignments.  I don’t need the completion “certificates” for what I’m interested in.

Comments, jabs, refutes, discussions?

One comment on “Reflections Of My First MOOC

  1. Reply Sharon Boller May 30,2013 12:11 pm

    Loved your evaluation of the MOOC. I took this last year – and came to similar conclusions. I did learn from it – and I thought the video lectures were well-done. I loved the chunking because I could listen to lectures while I walked. I was lucky enough to get better peer reviews than you; had I gotten “cool” as a response, I would have been bummed as I put a lot of time into writing mine.

    For me the biggest drawback was the Forums, As you mentioned, they were unwieldy and overwhelming – and I quickly decided to ignore them. This limited interaction with others – something I think is critical to the learning process. They definitely need to get this facet ironed out before the learning value can ratchet up.

    As for college credit? Maybe. I worked hard; we’ve had a couple other folks in our organization take the MOOC – and they worked hard. I felt it mirrored the level of effort I’ve put into 100 level courses in college so I could see offering it for credit. I would NOT consider it a higher-level college course but more like an intro.

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