Rhizo14: A Rhizomatic Learning cMOOC in Sunlight and in Shade

Abstract

The authors present findings from the first stage of research into a "home-grown" connectivist MOOC, Rhizomatic Learning: The Community is the Curriculum (Rhizo14). We compare the surface view of the MOOC that has been presented in a range of open blog posts and articles with the view from beneath the surface that we have found in data we have collected (some anonymously). Our analysis reveals a positive, even transformative, experience for many participants on the one hand, but some more negative experiences and outcomes for other participants. These findings highlight the need for further research on the ethical implications of pedagogical experimentation, interrelated processes of community and curriculum formation, the role of the MOOC convener, and learner experiences within MOOC communities. In this paper we report on the alternative experiences of Rhizo14 participants and identify issues that we will explore in deeper analysis in forthcoming publications.

The rhizome: A problematic metaphor for teaching and learning in a MOOC

“…We have shown both here and in our previous paper (Mackness & Bell, 2015) that many of Guattari's (1980/2013) principles of the rhizome can be applied to teaching and learning in a MOOC.…”

“…The methodology and ethics of this data collection, and subsequent findings, have been reported in detail in Mackness and Bell (2015).…”

“…A total of 47 responses were received (out of an estimated 500) and over 30,000 words of data (Mackness & Bell, 2015). Two significant aspects of our research methodology are:…”

“…We were participants and researchers in Rhizo14 and published our initial findings in Mackness and Bell (2015). Our key finding was that experimental pedagogies such as those based on the rhizome could lead to both light and dark experiences.…”

Study on MOOC Knowledge Map

“…Hone et al (2016) [5] analysed the factors affecting the retention of MOOC learning through the questionnaire. Mackness et al (2015) [6] analyzed the prospects and challenges of MOOC development. Margaryan et al (2015) [7] analyzed MOOC teaching quality and its influencing factors.…”