Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have become a popular avenue for diverse learners to upgrade their knowledge and skills. Instructors who are new to creating MOOCs tend to focus on the use of technology features to mimic their classroom actions. While it is necessary to be aware of the technology affordances, it is more important to focus on the pedagogy of how to use the MOOC features effectively to foster student engagement and learning. Hence MOOC instructors need a set of design principles and guidelines to create a learner-centric MOOC.

In this course, we will discuss the Learner-Centric MOOC (LCM) model, and how to apply it to create effective MOOCs.

The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) is an online platform that offers free university-level courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM): 

• Courses: NPTEL offers courses in a variety of subjects, including engineering, science, humanities, and management. Courses are available in English or Hindi, and some popular courses are translated into local languages. 
• Format: Courses include video lectures, quizzes, and self-assessment. 
• Certification: Students who successfully complete a course and self-assessment are granted a       certification. There is an optional in-person, proctored certification exam for a fee of Rs. 1000. 
• Eligibility: Anyone can join an NPTEL course, regardless of age. 
• Accessibility: Courses are accessible to anyone with internet connectivity. 

NPTEL was developed by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and is funded by the Ministry of Education.