Abstract:

The article explores the use of open online courses in modern organizations of higher education on the basis of the theory of the academic revolution, the theory of generations. The analysis of the main trends in the use of the МООСs by the world TOP universities and national universities in terms of their status (federal, research etc.), as well as locations (center and regions), specifics of their application in the educational and research activity.

The purpose of the article is to systematize information on the use of the МООСs by higher education organizations.

Methods:
Content analysis, document analysis, expert survey.

Results of the research:
Universities of the highest level actively develop and offer the МООСs for the mass user, including them as loans for bachelor students. National universities are less active in applying the МООСs and are oriented toward the mass consumer, creating more image products. Regional universities are prone to the tendencies of digital inequality and the attitude towards them to the МООСs depends on the status and independence of the university, its mission and development strategy. Russian universities have specific features - the development and promotion of the МООСs are hampered by language barriers and information competence.

Keywords:

University, МООСs, virtual university, online technologies, digitalization of education.