V12n1 Nf 4Students all over the world are sitting down, logging on, and learning online. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) make it possible to learn everything from programming to basic biology from your bedroom. But MOOCs have a major problem: Dropout rates are extremely high, even among dedicated students. With a Google Focused Research Award, Carnegie Mellon’s researchers aim to keep virtual classrooms full through several approaches.

  • Use machine-learning techniques to personalize the MOOC learning experience, which should make learning faster and more effective.
  • Increase socialization, such as through mentoring or team assignments, which should help reduce attrition.
  • Make the content of the course more engaging, perhaps through incorporating game play into MOOCs.

The Google award will fund the research at $300,000 a year for two years, with an option for a third year. “We believe this research will make online courses much more engaging and benefit both students and educators around the world,” says Alfred Spector, vice president of research and special initiatives at Google.

—Michelle Bova (DC’07)