In 2008, when they first emerged, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) were regarded as an opportunity to transform traditional education. They were expected to bring changes to the way knowledge is conceived and delivered and open the door to education that is more accessible, more affordable, more global and, at the same time, more individualized. MOOC platforms were seen as a conducive learning environment in which students could acquire new knowledge and skills in an autonomous and collaborative manner. However, despite the advantages that they offer, MOOCs have had a limited impact on higher education. The present paper will review the potential and challenges of the MOOC learning model and make a case for blended learning as a viable educational alternative.
Keywords: Higher Education, MOOCs, blended learning, online learning
