Combining MOOCs with Social Media: An effective way of imparting LIS education in India

Abstract

The study explored opportunities that MOOCs linked to SM platforms can offer to LIS schools in India, and tried to put forth the perspective of LIS fraternity towards this idea. To realise said objective, 2 online surveys were conducted. First one involved surveying the websites of LIS schools, organisations and networks; and another used a structured web questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The study revealed that LIS faculty across India in coordination with INFLIBNET has developed/developing LIS-MOOCs, provided through “SWAYAM portal only”. SWAYAM is having its mobile app, facebook and twitter account. The study also reveals that Indian LIS fraternity have positive attitude towards using SM as a MOOC tool. They feel that it will create collaborative learning atmosphere, more engaging and motivating, providing learner a more comfortable platform for sharing thoughts, clearing their doubts and enhanced opportunity to get feedback and support from the participants and the course instructor. Although some respondents believe there might be reduced face-to-face communication and distraction from regular courses. At present the adoption of this learning method is at a slow pace but the policy initiatives proposed by UGC for SWAYAM MOOCs will definitely catalyse the process. The reported findings will encourage development of cMOOCs in India.