We are now about two weeks into the “Education Technology & Media” Massive Open Online Course” (#ETMOOC) taught in large part by one of the pioneers of open education, Alec Couros.  I think he is also the Canadian version of Andy Garcia, but that is besides the point.  It has been a unique experience for me.  The class is currently focused on the topic of connected learning, and the tools, processes and pedagogy that are used to make it most effective.  I found the infographic below to be extremely helpful in understanding the breadth and depth of this model of learning.  I wanted to provide an initial breakdown of my pro’s and con’s of this model in my humble opinion.  These views may change as the course moves forward, but I think it is helpful to take this initial snapshot.

PROS

1. Delivery method – I know this has nothing to do with the model, and everything to do with the teacher.  However, we are using Blackboard Collaborate in addition to cultivating spaces for conversation in Twitter/Google Plus/Facebook.  Blackboard Collaborate is a great tool for an online class (here is a page of product demos if you are interested in learning more).  It provides an opportunity for the teacher to balance freedom and control in a comfortable way.  Alec can structure his presentation productively, and also create an interactive environment (through a digital whiteboard) where the entire class can provide their written opinion in real time.  This is along with a monitored chat function that most of these products have as well.   
2. What you put into it, you get out of it – As the learner, the course is structured in such a way that there is a topic schedule and calendar of “lectures”.  Learners can come and go as they please throughout the course, participating socially as they see fit.  A learner will get exactly the value out of this course as the effort they put into it; which for me is a great thing, but I can also see it as a potential negative for other types of learners.
3. Open and social – To me, this course is built upon freedom and respect.  It truly is a liberating learning experience.  In essence, you have an expert (or series of experts) that guide the learners through specific topics, and from there it is up to the learners to take action by experiencing the topics by themselves or with their peers.  It is not just the “sage on the stage” type of experience that, as an xMOOC currently presents.  This is much more interactive.  

CONS

1. What you put into it, you get out of it – I wonder if this model of learning is only for autodidacts; learners who take an entrepreneurial approach to learning what they are curious about.  I happen to be like this, but I know many other smart people who do not learn in this way.  The next question is, “to compete in the world today, is this the learning model that needs to be prevalent in us, and ultimately our children?”.  The answer is probably yes.  There will need to be a serious cultural shift in our schools to make this happen though.
2. Is this type of learning scalable? – I look at many blended learning k-12 schools, like High Tech High, that are showing that learning model is scalable, economical, and improving learning.  Could, or should, this be done with something like connected learning?  Or is this a model that can only be used a supplemental mode in higher education?

So far, this course has exceeded my expectations.  I look forward to seeing how this list evolves as I learn more about this course and others like it.