Academic writing MOOCs – a blended learning approach

The paper discusses a blended learning approach to teaching academic writing using an externally created MOOC fully incorporated into the existing pedagogic design. The authors intend to demonstrate potentials and limitations of mixed model learning in the ESP classroom. To this day there has been little research of repurposing MOOCs for language classes, as they are usually more practical and interactive. However, the authors believe that the online component of the blended course creates an additional dimension for language acquisition and allows to address numerous general issues on academic writing which are not traditionally discussed in ESP/EAP classes. Based on the results of the case study conducted at RUDN university, the study outlines numerous benefits of blended learning trajectory. However, the investigation revealed a few challenges, some of which can be easily remedied, whereas others are of more problematic nature.