...Review of 'Muslims in Britain - University of Cardiff' MOOC (Futurelearn)

I took and completed this course and I loved it. In general, I would say that the level of difficulty of this MOOC was equivalent to 1st year undergraduate. It was a straight forward course, the typical distance-learning type, combining videos, articles, pdfs, other material (e.g. external websites).

The only thing missing was... podcasts... mp3s that I could export to my ipod and follow certain units of the course on the go; a feature that I know for sure that is provided by other courses on Futurelearn (e.g. by the courses provided by the University of Leicester).

The issues discussed were very catchy. The course examined a variety of topics, including the basics about Islam, history of Muslims in Britain, aspects of British Muslim identity, problems that Muslims face in Britain, what a British Muslim chaplain does, British Muslims on the media, etc.

See? The course was for everyone, no matter your religion, your background and where you are from. I gather the impression that my co-students reached the same conclusion.

My favourite part of the course was week four, and the mention of an artist / photographer named Peter Sanders. Oh these pictures are great!

The discussion was vivid throughout the course, but talking 'media', our keyboard caught fire. I participated in most discussion - me and my thirsty passion for knowledge :-)

The course required approximately 4 hours of studying per week, which in my opinion was about right. There were a few tests / quizzes, and one optional assignment on week three. I was happy to take all of them.

The course was not mistake-free. There was a mistake of information on week 2, but was corrected by the educator straight away. There was also a slight problem with one of the questions at the very end of week four... the one about the chaplain (I am not spoiling the surprise for you - sorry). 

After completion I felt happy, it was the first Futurelearn course I completed after all. I think that I will receive some certification that I attended this course - a shareable page about what I have learnt (info as in 31 / March 2014, when I am writing this post). The cost was free, and so will be this shareable page. What more should I ask for? Something I will definitely put on my CV if I ever apply to work with the council or with minorities (I am into this sort of work, you know).

I figured out that one cannot take loads of MOOCs at the same time. It is easier for me to take one MOOC at a time, and that is what I did with 'Muslims in Britain'.

Because, try taking this course together with i.e. causes of war (a very demanding MOOC of Futurelearn) and you will realise that studying two courses at the same time is a bit too much for you, especially if you are struggling with free time (tested by myself - I tried to take 3 MOOCs at the same time - unsuccessfully).

So, how would I mark this course on the basis of other Futurelearn courses I am taking? 8/10! 

Congrats Cardiff, because I am very very strict with my marking!!!
I am sure that your future sessions will be even better! You have the potential to change the viewpoint of modern society in Britain.

...Tips on taking MOOCs...

There are no strict rules when it comes to online, distance learning education. You can take a course literally anywhere, from your sofa to the bus. What is astonishing is that very many of these courses are completely free!

I started taking online courses in 2005. I found the whole process fascinating because MOOCs are very flexible - you read when you are ready and when you feel like it. Wanna study in the middle of the night? Nobody is going to stop you.

MOOC courses consist of articles, podcasts, videos, images... I frequently do the coursework when going out, listening to the podcasts on the go. But I love the videos too! And the virtual lectures! I find articles a bit boring, but I was never good at learning something from text.

If you are an experienced MOOCer then you can stop reading now. I am saying nothing new after all. 

But if you are new to MOOCs I introduce three major sources of free online education: UDACITY, COURSERA, FUTURLEARN. I have used these and I recommend them.

For other course providers click here. 

Now, you need to decide whether you want to do a course in order to learn something new without getting any qualifications, or in order to get some sort of qualification after the end of the course.

I usually go for courses that provide qualifications; courses that I can even mention on my CV. 

I do take courses that provide no qualifications, but only because I like the topic. I also mention them on my CV; after all, I have done the work! I am proud of completing them! 

But generally speaking, a course that provides some certifications is better than a course that provides nothing in the end. Also, check who is the course provider: reputable universities are the best providers out there!

Do you want to know - at a glance - if your selected courses / topics provide qualifications? Do you want to know what courses are offered and when?

Then visit this website. Even though I would recommend you to double check the information.

Don't go mad and start taking many courses at the same time. If you study them properly, they are time consuming and ...even hard work!

Generally speaking, I advise you to take one course at a time. Complete one course, then start another. You will be more motivated if you do so.

Also, take courses that interest you. There is no point taking courses that you won't enjoy, otherwise you risk abandoning the course from week one (dropouts are very common in MOOCs).

Before you take any courses check your availability. Can you afford the time to do this course? MOOCs come with instructions. For instance, the tutors recommend you to study for a specific number of hours a week. 

In many courses there is a quiz at the end of every week. You can take this in order to test your progress. Courses that provide qualifications may be accompanied by more 'academic-style' exams. Do you want to take these exams or not? You don't want to take an exam if you hate exams! Does the course charge you for taking an exam, or for a statement of accomplishment? And if yes, can you afford the cost? 

Most importantly, make the most of online forums! Discuss the course material. Comment on other people's comments! Participate in discussions! Meet up with your co-students! Be there. This is your online 'university' space, you are studying something after all.

I am not an academic but there is something telling me that MOOCs have great potential. With university fees sky-rocketed, MOOCs could be THE FUTURE in university education. 

So, are you taking any MOOCs? Tempted?