Abstract
This research bulletin uses data from ECAR research on students and IT and on e-learning to paint a picture of the role MOOCs currently play in higher education and the directions MOOCs might be heading. The bulletin provides current motivations and obstacles for MOOCs, a perspective about how MOOCs relate to e-learning more generally, and data about the kinds of students who participate in MOOCs. Also included are findings about the value proposition of MOOCs, both for students and for institutions, as well as questions institutions might ask themselves when considering MOOCs.