Authors:
Ahmed Shams
;
Raad Bin Tareaf
;
Jan Renz
and
Christoph Meinel
Affiliation:
Hasso-Plattner-Institute, Germany
Keyword(s):
MOOC, E-Learning, Social Computing, Mobile Devices, Ubiquitous Learning, Emerging Adults.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Computer-Supported Education
;
Distance and e-Learning in a Global Context
;
e-Learning
;
e-Learning in Developing Countries
;
Information Technologies Supporting Learning
;
Mobile Information Systems
;
Mobile Learning
;
Smart Devices as Collaborative Learning Tools
;
Social Context and Learning Environments
;
Ubiquitous Learning
;
Web Information Systems and Technologies
Abstract:
Massive Open Online Courses(MOOCs) make use of educational technologies to deliver learning materials, supposedly open for everyone, usually with a capacity to serve a substantial number of learners regardless of their geographical locations. A recent advancement in mobile technologies and wireless communications in Africa has produced a conducive digital environment enough to support mobile learning. However, only a handful of an audience in Africa participates in online learning correlated to their massive engagement in social networking. Internet-based social media programs make most of the connections with the audience for social purposes and yet far less with educational intentions. Participation in mobile learning is still unnoticeable. Awareness about MOOCs remains very low in comparison to that in social media in the region. Therefore it remains unclear though, in which ways, social media may help to boost mobile learning through its utilization of programs towards audience i
n Africa. This paper argues the best possible approaches aiming to enhance MOOC activities in Africa through the involvement of social networks.
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