MOOCs have only begun to drive innovation in higher education, say researchers. Even if the technology is still in its early stages, the demand for flexible and cheap higher education will only grow.

Students get no rewards for completing a MOOC, so it’s no surprise that many of them drop out, says Robert Wright. Low completion rates are no reason to dismiss MOOCs altogether.

Coursera is setting up “hubs” on college campuses, where MOOC students can interact and talk to tutors. Is this a preview of MOOCs’ future role in higher education?