Integrating MOOCs in traditionally taught courses: achieving learning outcomes with blended learning

It has been several years since Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) have entered the higher education environment and many forms have emerged from this new way of acquiring knowledge. Teachers have been incorporating MOOCs with more or less success in a traditional classroom setting to support various learning preferences, introduce this new way of learning to students, and to make learning available to those who might not be able to follow traditional instructions. This paper researches a blended learning model where a MOOC has been integrated in a traditional classroom. A learning outcomes based approach was implemented, that supported a balanced student workload. Qualitative approach was used to analyse students' learning diaries. Based on this research, benefits of integrating a MOOC with classroom based teaching were identified, as well as barriers that can hinder the successful implementation. Recommendations for teachers are provided.