Volume 14 (2025) Download Cover Page

The Process for the Design, Development, and Implementation of Small Private Online Course (SPOC)

Article Number: e2025028  |  Published Online: January 2025  |  DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2025.14.28

Joseline Santos , Lilibeth Antonio , Aaron Paul Dela Rosa Ruben Borja Iı

Abstract

Background/purpose. This study examines the design, development, and implementation of Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs) at Bulacan State University to standardize high-quality instructional materials and support asynchronous online learning.

Materials/methods. Employing the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate), the study involved feedback from faculty and students to refine SPOC guidelines and improve teaching and learning experiences. Implementation involved pilot courses supported by capacity-building workshops for instructors and orientation for students. Evaluation gathered qualitative and quantitative data, offering actionable insights for further improvements. The systematic integration of feedback at each phase ensured that the process addressed key gaps in teaching and learning.

Results. Results revealed a positive reception of Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs). Instructors benefited from reduced preparation time and increased focus on student engagement, while students appreciated the flexibility and organized resources but highlighted the need for timely feedback and more substantial administrative support. SPOCs addressed challenges in flexible learning modalities, streamlining processes to enhance teaching efficiency and consistency. Despite shared appreciation for the SPOC structure, distinct priorities emerged: Instructors emphasized operational efficiency, whereas students sought more responsive interactions and clearer policies. These findings underscore the need to refine feedback mechanisms and enhance administrative involvement, guiding recommendations for improved support infrastructure and feedback systems to optimize SPOC implementation and efficacy.

Conclusion. The study concludes that SPOCs provide a viable framework for higher education institutions, balancing flexibility with structure to meet diverse learning needs. By fostering continuous improvement in digital learning environments, this research offers practical strategies for advancing technology-enhanced education.

Keywords: SPOC, process, design, development, implementation, instructional materials

References

Abcouwer, Toon; Smit, Bas; and Takács, Emőke, "De-Linearizing Learning" (2016). Proceedings of the 2016 AIS SIGED International Conference on Information Systems Education and Research. 8. https://aisel.aisnet.org/siged2016/8

Alhazzani, N. (2020). MOOC’s impact on higher education. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2(1), 100030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2020.100030

Bates, A. W. (2015, April 5). Teaching in a Digital Age. Opentextbc.ca; Tony Bates Associates Ltd. https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/chapter/section-7-5-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-moocs/

Bouchrika, I. (2020, November 25). The ADDIE Model Explained: Evolution, Steps, and Applications in 2024. Research.com. https://research.com/education/the-addie-model#what

Cloke, H. (2024, June 27). Connectivism Learning Theory: Your Guide to Learning in the Digital Age. Growth Engineering. https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/connectivism-learning-theory/

Doo, M. Y., Zhu, M., & Bonk, C. J. (2023). A Systematic Review of the Research Topics in Online Learning During COVID-19: Documenting the Sudden Shift. Online Learning, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v27i1.3405

Fisk, P. (2017, January 24). Education 4.0 ... the future of learning will be dramatically different in school and throughout life. - Peter Fisk. Peter Fisk. https://www.peterfisk.com/2017/01/future-education-young-everyone-taught-together/

García-Morales, Víctor J, Garrido-Moreno, A., & Martín-Rojas, R. (2021). The Transformation of Higher Education After the COVID Disruption: Emerging Challenges in an Online Learning Scenario. Frontiers in Psychology, 0. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.616059

Genashtim. (2019, November 15). MOOC vs SPOC vs COOC - Empowering People Enabling Business Genashtim Innovative Learning. Empowering People Enabling Business Genashtim Innovative Learning. https://genashtim.com/interesting-articles/mooc-vs-spoc-vs-cooc/

Geronimo, C., Adriano, R., & Celestino, J. R. (2024). Learnings, Issues, and Challenges Encountered by Students and Faculty Members in the Implementation of Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs). International Journal of Multidisciplinary Applied Business and Education Research, 5(2), 696–710. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.05.02.28

Guo, P. (2017). MOOC and SPOC, Which One is Better? EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(8), 5961–5967. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.01044a

Hardt, R. (2022). A System to Motivate Sustained Lecture Video Engagement in Small Private Online Courses. Koli Calling ’22: Proceedings of the 22nd Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Researc, 28, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1145/3564721.3564735

Hrastinski, S. (2021). Asynchronous and Synchronous E-Learning. EDUCAUSE Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/11/asynchronous-and-synchronous-elearning

Hollands, F. M., & Tirthali, D. (2014). MOOCs: Expectations and Reality. Full Report. Online Submission. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED547237

Jia, Y., & Zhang, L. (2021). Research and application of online SPOC teaching mode in analog circuit course. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00247-0

Liu, F., & Tayag, J. (2024). Effect of Small Private Online Course + Presentation, Assimilation, Discussion (SPOC+PAD) on Student Achievement in a Computer Course. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i04.25589

Mazoue, J. (2021). The MOOC Model: Challenging Traditional Education. EDUCAUSE Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2013/1/the-mooc-model-challenging-traditional-education

Mooc.org. (2021). MOOC.org | Massive Open Online Courses | An edX Site. Mooc.org. https://www.mooc.org/

Prates, J., Garcia, R., & Maldonado, J. (2019). Small Private Online Courses in Computing Learning: evidence, trends and challenges. Anais Do XXX Simpósio Brasileiro de Informática Na Educação (SBIE 2019), 129–129. https://doi.org/10.5753/cbie.sbie.2019.129

Ruiz-Palmero, J., Fernández-Lacorte, J.-M., Sánchez-Rivas, E., & Colomo-Magaña, E. (2020). The implementation of Small Private Online Courses (SPOC) as a new approach to education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00206-1

Sabio, R. A., & Sabio, C. J. (2024). Challenges in Implementing Online Learning in Philippine Higher Education: Business Students’ Perspective. International Journal of Learning and Teaching, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.18178/ijlt.10.3.348-353

Strijbosch, J. (2016, November 23). The Benefits of SPOCs – Small Private Online Courses. Linkedin. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-spocs-small-private-online-courses-jeroen-strijbosch

Verde, A., & Valero, J. M. (2021). Teaching and Learning Modalities in Higher Education During the Pandemic: Responses to Coronavirus Disease 2019 From Spain. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648592

Western Governors University. (2024, March 19). Connectivism Learning Theory. Western Governors University; MyWGU. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/connectivism-learning-theory2105.html

Zhao, Y. (2020). Tofu Is Not Cheese: Rethinking Education Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic - Yong Zhao, 2020. ECNU Review of Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/2096531120928082

Zhao, Y., & Watterston, J. (2021). The changes we need: Education post COVID-19. Journal of Educational Change, 22(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10833-021-09417-3

Announcement

EDUPIJ Citation Metrics

EDUPIJ News!

► Educational Process International Journal has changed to publish in article number order instead of in page range order beginning with Volume 14 (2025).