For the Love of MOOCs

Which sentence from the passage best states the author’s main claim?

• “Despite their apparent benefits, current MOOCs are not a plausible alternative path to traditional education.” (paragraph 1)

• “This learning model allows students all over the globe to participate in a network of college level courses from the comfort of their homes and offices.” (paragraph 1)

• “The only major difference between MOOCs and traditional brick-and-mortar schools is human contact.” (paragraph 3)

• “Future MOOCs will have a recognizable place in the nation’s learning profile.” (paragraph 4)

Part A

In paragraph 3, the words consistently, constant, and regular are used. What is the common meaning between the words?

• faithful

• fair

• usual

• happening often

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Part B

Based on the answer in Part A, how should these words be ordered from least to most intense?

• consistent, constant, regular

• regular, consistent, constant

• constant, consistent, regular

• regular, constant, consistent

Given the vocabulary choice and argument made in the article, who is most likely the author’s intended audience for this selection?

• students in traditional universities

• educational policymakers

• students enrolled in MOOCs

• professors

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

What does the author state in support of the claim that MOOCs cannot mimic the personal interaction found in traditional university teaching? Select two answers.

• that the majority of students enrolled in MOOCs drop out before completing the class

• that MOOCs don’t have an attendance policy to allow students to take the course at a particular date and time

• that use of assessments and live chats helps students reproduce a traditional environment

• that college graduates are earning less in their first jobs than they would have before MOOCs

• that the stimulation of both teacher and student in a classroom is superior to virtual learning

Part A

The author uses the phrase “synchronous online chats” in paragraph 1. Based on the context of the paragraph, what does the word synchronous most likely mean?

• fun

• engaging

• at the same time

• private

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Part B

What textual evidence from paragraph 1 can you use to support the answer in Part A?

• participate

• standardized

• one-on-one

• in real time

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

Read the dictionary definition of simultaneous below.

adjective

1. 1. occurring, operating, or done at the same time

2. 2. satisfied by the same values of the variables

Based on the context of paragraph 3, which of the following is true?

• Definition 1 best helps the reader understand the usage in paragraph 3.

• Definition 2 best helps the reader understand the usage in paragraph 3.

• A combination of definitions 1 and 2 best help the reader understand the usage in paragraph 3.

• The word is not used as an adjective, so neither definition is helpful.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4