Learning About E-Planning: The Results of a Massive Open Online Course Experiment

TechniCity (Technology and Cities) offered in May, 2013 was the first city planning Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). More than 21,000 students registered for the course, which was composed of video lectures, projects, assignments, peer evaluation, and on-line discussion over a four week period. This MOOC experimented with using field based learning, combined with extensive student engagement. The objective was to extend the type of learning environment typically found in city planning classes and similar to what is being done in several other disciplines. This article describes the first stage of research, describing course structure and providing initial findings on both course and student outcomes. Compared to students enrolling in traditional, for-credit classes, students in this MOOC reported a range of backgrounds, motivations, and expectations. The data collected also provide insights on student course activity including completion. This information obtained from the class can be used to improve future course offerings. This article documents a pedagogical approach that is still very new and lacking a significant base of literature and comparative studies. The article conclude by suggesting a variety of topics for further research.