Abstract
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have become one of the influential tsunamis in higher education. To face the overwhelming trend, the current designed-based research develops feasibly evidence-based, iterative-improved, innovative instructional S-IDEAL model that effectively utilizes the open educational resources to foster deeper scientific learning experiences in the context of Small Private Online Courses in higher education. The two studies gradually reveal how the designed SPOCs improve the deeper learning experiences in the context of Neuroscience through the learning performance, the learning experience surveys, the in-depth interviews, the in-class field observation, and the video-recording of the in-class discussion. Empirical findings show that the S-IDEAL model is ideal for implementing flipped scientific classroom. Other interesting findings and the future suggestions are depicted in this study.