Convergence or Divergence: MOOCs and Legacy of Higher Education Outcomes

Massive Open Online Courses have been deemed both as a disruption as well as the biggest experiment of our times in higher education. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are facing a lot of heat owing to competition and rising costs. This work looks at Massive Open Online courses through the lens of Higher Education and its expected outcomes. Using a comparative framework, we map the expected outcomes of higher education against popular global MOOCs and the recently launched Indian version - SWAYAM to evolve the strengths and weaknesses inherent to both modes. Global MOOC platforms score highest on student centric parameters including learning design, opportunities for lifelong learning, better accessibility. The strength of SWAYAM lies in its qualitative evaluation systems as well as recognition of credits, equity of access and affordability. Traditional HEIs have a clear edge over global MOOCs and SWAYAM in terms of long term impact on citizen and society building and shaping individual opinions.