The fundamental difference is that MOOCs are recorded rather than performed live. This makes both the distribution and access patterns more similar to books tha

The fundamental difference is that MOOCs are recorded rather than performed live. This makes both the distribution and access patterns more similar to books than to college courses. Of course any particular MOOC can be made more or less like a normal class by putting the content behind a hefty paywall, enforcing strict due dates, and adding perverse performance incentives.