Der Begriff Massive Open Online Course (deu.: Massiver-Offener-Online-Kurs), kurz MOOC, bezeichnet eine spezielle Form von Onlinekursen, die offen (open) für alle eingeschriebenen Studenten sind und zahlreiche (massive) Teilnehmerzahlen aufweisen.
Universities have failed to recognize the pent-up demand for learning as the economy has diversified and society has become more complex and interconnected. As a consequence, the internet has contributed by creating a shadow education system where learners learn on their own and through social networks. MOOCs reflect society’s transition to a knowledge economy and reveal the inadequacy of existing university models to meet learner’s needs.