Differences and Commonalities – A comparative report of video styles and course descriptions on edX, Coursera, Futurelearn and Iversity

Abstract

This paper reports a comparative overview of MOOC courses from edX, Coursera, Futurelearn and Iversity. The sample covers courses published between Septem- ber 2014 and January 2015 and the comparison focuses on different video styles as well as course descriptions on the platforms.

Based upon this data set of MOOCs (N=448) this study shows noteworthy facts about the state of MOOC production. Talking Head is the most common video style overall on all four MOOC platforms (87%), followed by or in combination with presentation slides (38%).

The courses on the European platforms Futurelearn and Iversity show a highly significant difference in the amount of work effort per week description compare to the US platforms edX and Coursera. In addition, Futurelearn has the shortest course week duration compare to the other platforms. A number of further points are reported below.