Definition of "MOOC"

In some ways, how learning and sharing works in a MOOC is more akin to a social network than to a traditional classroom.

2011 August 4, Audrey Watters, “Are MOOCs the Future of Online Learning?”, in KQED.org, retrieved 17 January 2013

Besides the Artificial Intelligence course, Stanford offered two other MOOCs last semester — Machine Learning (104,000 registered, and 13,000 completed the course), and Introduction to Databases (92,000 registered, 7,000 completed).

2012 March 4, Tamar Lewin, “Instruction for Masses Knocks Down Campus Walls”, in New York Times, retrieved 17 January 2013

With MOOCs offered by the most renowned professors in their respective fields, students have less incentive to relocate for postsecondary education.

2013 January 16, Anita Singh, Howard Adelman, “How open courses are changing the modern university”, in University Affairs, Canada, retrieved 17 January 2013