REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES (MOOCS) ON INTERNATIONAL LEVEL AND PERSPECTIVES FOR THEIR IMPLICATION IN BULGARIAN HIGHER EDUCATION.
Abstract: The first course that resembles what we now call MOOC was held in 2008, although the background for developing MOOCs can be traced back to the year 2000. They are often described as an evolutional step which follows the emerging movement towards Open Education. They came as an answer to the constantly growing needs of both main parties in the educational process (teachers and students) for a more easily accessible and more interactive learning environment. This paper represents a brief history of MOOCs and the perspectives for their development around the Globe. The experience of the leading providers and their university partners in developing such courses is being summarized. Based on analysis of literature and course programs, the main characteristics of MOOCs are presented. Some of the best practices, which are proven to benefit the students and teachers the most, are further discussed. The paper outlines the opportunities for implication of MOOCs in Bulgarian universities with emphasize not only on advantages from their integration in Bulgarian higher education system but also on some of the main challenges and obstacles on the way such as verification of students`, MOOCs and Bulgarian legislation and others
