Blending active learning in a modified SPOC based classroom

Blended Learning is an amalgamation of face-to-face and e-learning. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), a popular e-learning source of rich quality content produced by best instructors are freely available to learners globally. But, they suffer from high attrition rate. To utilize the available resources, offered by MOOCS, efficiently, SPOC (Small Private Online Courses) model has emerged. SPOCs combine student centered resource model with traditional instructor centered classroom model of learning. To explore the potential of mobile based active learning technology in a SPOC, we offered a university course as a modified SPOC. We studied the impact of the course on students' learning by conducting surveys and monitoring their progress throughout the course duration. Our results show online resources, specifically videos, can be used successfully to enhance learning in traditional classrooms. Our findings also show that mobile based feedback applications results in better engagement. Our studies also confirm that marks remain the prime motivating factor for students' efforts.