Objective: To explore the effect of combined use of massive open online course (MOOC) and traditional teaching in pediatrics teaching on improving the teaching quality. Methods: The students were divided into two groups. The teaching reform group adopted the combined application of MOOC and traditional teaching method

while the control group adopted the traditional teaching method. The teaching quality was measured by examination and questionnaire. Results: Compared with the control group

the examination scores in the teaching reform class were significantly improved (P<0.05). Questionnaire survey showed that the teaching superiority was more obvious

the learning problems were less in the teaching reform group (P<0.05)

in which 112 students (73.2%) recognized the fragmented learning mode of MOOC

79 students (51.6%) believed it improved learning efficiency

103 students (67.3%) believed it improved the autonomous learning ability

113 students (73.9%) could manage learning progress by themselves through MOOC

99 students (64.7%) believed it attained the sharing of the educational resources of high quality. All issues were significantly better than control class (P<0.05). And 133 students (86.9%) preferred the combined teaching method of MOOC and traditional teaching

wishing to participate in MOOC again. Conclusions: MOOC can improve the teaching quality of pediatrics. The combined teaching method is worthy of further research and promotion.