MOOCs for language learning. Reality and prospects.
Abstract: MOOCs have been the fastest growing form of distance education over the last years, as the openness and the versatility they offer makes them very popular mostly among adults who wish to be trained in a field of knowledge outside the mainstream educational system. Obviously, this also applies to foreign languages, for which numerous educational institutions, both public and private have developed and offered a variety of Language MOOCs (LMOOCs). The LMOOCs often receive criticism both in terms of methodology and their pedagogical approach and in terms of their ability to motivate students and to support them in the learning process. This paper examines the current reality of LMOOCs and attempts to identify the strengths and weaknesses of LMOOCs and to record expert’s opinions on their usefulness and effectiveness, in order to propose ways to improve their quality and increase their efficiency.