A Framework for Collaborative Multi-Institution MOOC Environment

In e-Learning web applications, users interact directly via the web platforms with other users. The learning management system (LMS) is one web platform that has been used to manage the online teaching and learning (T&L). Moodle is an open-sourced LMS that has a widespread adoption in several universities as a virtual learning environment. However, each university does not have any connection with another. Thus, it is difficult for students in one university to enroll in any readily available courses from another. The Malaysian Government has taken the lead to embark on the Massive Open Online Courseware (MOOC) for the Malaysian Public Universities (MPU). This will enable any student from any university to enroll in any courses available in any university. This paper describes a framework called ArmadaNet for a multi-institution collaborative MOOC platform. It covers technical and non-technical issues related to the MOOC implementation. The Moodle LMS has been chosen as the web platform to support this multi-institution MOOC collaboration. The development of ArmadaNet as the model for the collaboration will be given. It is a hub that connects and displays courses hosted in the MOOC. The progress of the implementation is given.