Research On Coping Strategies Of The Virtual University Model In The United States Under The Wave Of MOOC

Virtual university(VU), developed from the modern distance education, is regarded as the most recent learning environment and it has brought learners more access of lifelong learning practice. Its virtuality, internet transmissibility and flexibility have gained increasing recognition among the lifelong learners. In recent years, the massive online open course(MOOC), as the big open online learning system, has developed rapidly and it has brought new perspectives and mechanism for the globalization of the higher education. VU and MOOC share similarities in methods of teaching and learning. At the same time, VU has been greatly impacted by the rapid MOOC growth. Corresponding countermeasures and policy response have been made to maintain the sound VU development. This paper considers that the open universities in China can gain experiences from the VU operations management. For this purpose, this paper explores the counter measures taken by VU when it faces impacts caused by MOOC.This paper applies comparative analysis and case studies. It looks at the difficulties faced by VU in the two universities in the United States, University of Phoenix and Western Governors University, when influenced by MOOC and the countermeasures followed.This paper starts with comparing the history, academic performances, and educational characteristics of University of Phoenix and Western Governors University and goes on to introduce their virtual universities respectively. Afterwards, this paper analyses the influences caused by MOOC from four perspectives in teaching methods, audiences, characteristic services and MicroBlog certificate issuance, and brought questions in the four aspects.This paper believes that the continuous innovation of the learning service, the positive and efficient support, authentic MicroBlog certificate issuance, and applying for government-aided projects are effective measures in dealing with the impacts. After comparing the Chinese and American virtual universities, this paper provides useful suggestions in goal planning, learning experiences, quality assurance and innovation for VU in China.