Understanding the Value of MOOCs from the Perspectives of Students: A Value-Focused Thinking Approach

Shang Gao,Hong Guo,Ying Li

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-02131-3_13

Shang Gao, Hong Guo + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02131-3_13

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Publication Date: Jan 1, 2018
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Örebro University, Anhui University

Abstract

This study aims to identify the values of MOOCs in education from students’ perspective in China. The value of Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs) can be seen as the benefits associated with the use of MOOCs in education. To address this, we employed the Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) approach to identify the values of MOOCs with university students in China. Twenty active students of MOOCs were interviewed in China. Based on the data collected from the interviews, we developed a means-ends objective network describing the value of MOOCs in education. According to the results, efficiency in learning, effectiveness in learning, convenience of learning, learning experience of MOOCs, and usability of MOOCs were identified as the fundamental objectives to maximize values of MOOCs in education.

Highlights

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) can be seen as a technology enhanced innovation in online distance learning of higher education
MOOCs offer through platforms (e.g., Coursera, edX) on which allow students across the world to participate in the course
Following the value-focused thinking (VFT) approach, we interviewed the participants with the probing questions below: “What are the benefits of using MOOCs, and why is that important?” “What problems have you faced in using MOOCs?” “What encourage you to finish a MOOC?” “If you have a chance to develop a MOOC, what features or functions do you want to add?” Using these questions, we collected an initial list of value objectives about MOOC

Summary

Introduction

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) can be seen as a technology enhanced innovation in online distance learning of higher education. MOOCs are defined as digitized materials offered freely and openly for educators, students and self-learners to use and reuse for teaching, learning and research [18]. More and more universities are offering MOOCs to their students. MOOCs use information technology to support interactions between the instructors and students, which may lead to enhanced learning outcomes. Since MOOCs are regardless of time and location, MOOCs provide students a new channel of acquiring educational resources. MOOCs enable a diverse group of learners to collaborate and learn together. MOOCs offer through platforms (e.g., Coursera, edX) on which allow students across the world to participate in the course.

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