@article {
	title = {Liminal participants and skilled orienteers: Learner participation in a MOOC for new lecturers},
	year = {2013},
	month = {06/2013},
	author = {Waite, Marion and Mackness, Jenny and Roberts, George and Lovegrove, Elizabeth},
	keywords = {transformative learning, threshold concepts, reciprocity, participation, navigation, liminality, connectivist massive open online  course (cMOOC),},
	language = {en},
	journal = {MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching},
	volume = {9},
	issue = {2},
	pages = {1-16},
	issn = {1558-9528},
	abstract = {This case study explored learner participation in First Steps in Learning and Teaching in 
Higher Education (FSLT12), a short massive open online course (MOOC) aimed at 
introducing learning and teaching in higher education that was offered by Oxford 
Brookes University in June 2012. Both novice and experienced MOOC learners joined 
the course. The aim of the case study was to explore triggers for active participation. A 
mixed-methods approach was utilized in order to collect and analyze data from focus 
groups, individual interviews, participant blog posts, and a survey. The lenses of social 
constructivism, connectivism, and community of practice theories were used to enhance 
understanding of participation in FSLT12. Three main themes emerged: (1) Navigation: 
New participants felt overwhelmed by technical issues, multiple channels, and a 
perceived need to multitask, while experienced learners were judicious about planning 
their route; (2) Transformative learning: Ultimately, learners experienced a 
transformative shift, but it required reflection on practice, community support, and selforganization; (3) Reciprocal Relationships: New learners needed time to determine their 
audience and core community, as well as to realize mutual relationships within that 
community. Learners in a MOOC inhabit a liminal space. Active MOOC participants are 
skilled orienteers. Engaging local expertise of experienced MOOC learners and 
developing participatory skills in new learners is a key strategy for those who organize 
and facilitate MOOCs.},
	refereed = {yes},
	url = {http://jolt.merlot.org/vol9no2/waite_0613.pdf},
	attachments = {waite_0613.pdf},
}