RESEARCH TIPS
MOOC learning
Find out how a massive open online course can help you with your research with advice from Tarja Moles
Do you need to research a particular topic in depth and you don’t know where to start? Instead of doing online searches and/or using your local library, you could try taking an online course.
The advantage of online courses is that they offer curated material and present information in a structured way. This is particularly helpful when you’re new to a topic area and don’t already know what the main facts, concepts, events and timelines are and how these different pieces of information fit together.
These days there are innumerable online courses to choose from. They are offered by individuals, companies, educational establishments and various organisations. Some are free, others charge a fee. You can find courses by searching online. However, in terms of research, your best option is likely to be a MOOC – a massive open online course.