Open Online Courses Research Articles

Navigating the digital classroom: a qualitative content analysis of MOOC discourses in Indian e-newspapers

Purpose This paper aims to explore and unravel the contents portrayed in online news discourses on massive open online courses (MOOCs). Considering sociological dimensions and journalistic strategies, this study examines how online news media reflects, shapes and informs narratives about the social acceptance and use of the MOOC model of learning. Design/methodology/approach Using the Gioia methodology as the overarching framework, this study adopted a two-staged qualitative content analysis of 1,162 online news items from the websites of the top seven online English newspapers of India, published between May 2012 and September 2023. In subsequent semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts, broad themes were identified. In addition, this study integrated Van Dijk’s ideological square model with media content theories to comprehensively analyze the intricate complexities in media depictions of MOOCs. Findings While manifest content analysis revealed the emergence of 25 categories, latent content analysis unveiled six broad themes: “announcements, user stages, characteristics, benefits, changing facets, and educational inequalities,” which are associated with the MOOC model. Application of Van Dijk’s model evidenced the usage of a positive self-representation strategy by Indian online news media until mid-2020. The application of media content theories underscored the predominant usage of reframing as a journalistic strategy to maintain reader interest in MOOC-related content in online news items, emphasizing the dynamic nature of media portrayals of social phenomena such as MOOCs. Practical implications The depth of MOOC-related coverage and the increasing number of news articles discussing MOOCs in Indian online media signify a growing acceptance of this educational innovation in society. Insights from emergent themes can aid administrators and platforms to effectively design and deliver future courses. In addition, understanding these themes can guide the development of media strategies to address contextual issues such as educational inequalities arising from MOOCs. This study also focuses on the necessity of upholding journalistic ethics in content dissemination. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of various themes and journalistic strategies adopted by online news media over the last decade in MOOC-based narratives in India. Given the distinctive Indian context, wherein MOOCs are growing rapidly amid widening digital inequalities, this research addresses calls within information systems literature to explore this phenomenon. It pioneers the integration of communication and mass media theories to analyze the complex sociological dynamics in news discourses on MOOCs, offering a novel perspective on the intersection of media representation and educational innovation.

Enhancing digital competence through story-based learning: a massive open online course (MOOC) approach

PurposeThis study investigated a story-based learning MOOC’s effectiveness in enhancing digital competence.Design/methodology/approachA quasi-experimental design with 5,501 participants enrolled in a developed MOOC course was assessed through pretests, formative assessments and posttests. K-means clustering, using the Self-Efficacy in Digital Competence Scale (SDCS), was employed to classify experimental and control groups and analyze differences in perceived competence across age groups (10s–60s).FindingsLearners’ digital competence significantly improved (p < 0.001) after the MOOC, demonstrating knowledge and skill gains across various domains. The highest SDCS domain was communication and collaboration, while the lowest was digital content creation. Additionally, the SDCS data showed higher self-efficacy in the 20–40s age group and lower in the 10, 50 and 60s.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest a gap in learners’ digital content creation competence. Additional content could be incorporated to bridge this gap. This study supports story-based learning MOOCs for promoting digital competence.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the field by developing and evaluating a MOOC with story-based learning to explore learners’ digital competence and its relationship with age.

Challenges and Implications of Blended Learning Adoption in the Age of Communication Technology: A Case Study of Vietnamese Universities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pervasive influence of communication technology has profoundly shaped contemporary life, significantly impacting global education. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of technologies like social media platforms and massive open online courses (MOOCs) as substitutes for traditional in-person education, exposing shortcomings, particularly in regions with limited online infrastructure. Although extensive research exists on online education, including blended learning models, the challenges associated with their effective implementation remain underexplored. This study aims to address these gaps by examining the adoption of blended learning within Vietnamese universities during the pandemic through the lens of Activity Theory. This framework, which analyzes the dynamic interactions between individuals, tools, and their sociocultural environment, provides a deeper understanding of how students, educators, and institutions navigate blended learning. This study employed semi-structured interviews with administrators, lecturers, curriculum developers, and students across four campuses of a university in Vietnam. The findings highlight key challenges related to student engagement, academic dishonesty, and constraints in institutional infrastructure, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to enhance blended learning outcomes.

Massive Open Online Courses in Higher Education Institutions: The Pedagogical Model of the Instituto Superior Técnico

In the context of 21st-century educational transformation, Massive Open Online Courses have emerged as a global and flexible learning opportunity. This study explores the impact of MOOC implemented at Instituto Super Técnico on student engagement and attendance, focusing on their effectiveness in higher education. A descriptive approach was applied, selecting three MOOC as the empirical field, combining quantitative data from participation logs and qualitative feedback from student surveys. The key characteristics, the challenges, and the effectiveness of educational resources were evaluated, particularly concerning student interaction and perceptions of course quality. The pedagogical analysis highlighted both successful strategies and areas for improvement. The findings offer valuable insights into the influence of MOOC on students and the institution, contributing to the broader understanding of Portugal’s educational landscape. This study also proposes a framework for enhancing MOOC strategies in higher education globally, considering the potential of technological innovations in the 21st century.

Effects of MOOC and video conferencing deliveries on vocabulary usage and learning strategies

While vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) have primarily been taught in physical classroom settings, the potential for applying strategy training in an online environment remains under-explored. With the rising acceptance of remote education, there is a need to investigate the impacts of applying strategy training in online contexts. Hence, this study explores the effects of online deliveries on VLSs and vocabulary usage in writing among adult English as second language (ESL) learners via massive open online course (MOOC) and video conferencing platforms. A total of 50 pre-intermediate ESL learners completed a 5-week VLSs course on a MOOC while 44 students learnt from the instructor synchronously using Microsoft Teams. The data comprised questionnaires and learners’ compositions, which were collected before and after treatment. The data analysis procedures involved Lextutor’s version of lexical frequency profiling (LFP), descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that there was a significant increase of usage in all categories of the VLSs after the course for both groups. Additionally, the effects of VLSs instruction on vocabulary usage could be reflected in both groups’ writing though the choice of words might have been task-influenced. The findings from this study could yield useful insights on online vocabulary learning for ESL instructors and learners.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for Ethiopian Educators: Evaluating MOOCs as a global development tool

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for Ethiopian Educators: Evaluating MOOCs as a global development tool

Pedagogical conditions justification of professional multilingual personality building of non-language future specialists

Introduction. New guidelines in the development of economy, informatisation of society, the process of integration of cultures in the world have changed the requirements for the education of future specialists. One of the most important characteristics of modern society is the international interaction of organisations and specialists. This need necessitates the training of professional staff capable of working effectively in an open polylingual space. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the pedagogical conditions for the professional multilingual personality building of non-language future specialists and to develop a set of innovative teaching technologies in the multilingual educational space of higher education institution. Materials and methods. The study involved 43 teachers of Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy and National Research Mordovia State University, 255 student-respondents studying in the above-mentioned universities. The participants of the pedagogical experiment were provided with materials aimed at the professional multylingual personality building (teaching aids, reference materials, open mass online courses, digital resources). Technical means, digital tools were used to record the obtained results. Methods: analysis of theoretical sources, analysis and generalization of the experience of Russian universities in training non-language future specialists, results of students' and teachers' educational activities, pedagogical experiment, statistical processing of the results using the Pearson's chi-square test. Results. The pedagogical conditions of professional multilingual personality building of non-language future specialists were revealed and substantiated. The students training on the basis of the developed complex of technologies of professional multilingual personality building of future specialists was carried out. The results are summarised, which testify to the effectiveness of the identified pedagogical conditions and the potential of the applied complex of innovative teaching technologies in the polylingual educational space of the higher education institution. The results are summarised and the statistical significance of the differences in the qualitative changes in the results between the professional polylingual personality levels оf future specialists obtained before and after the experiment was determined (χ2 emp. = 19,987; p < 0,01). Conclusions. The identified pedagogical conditions and the proposed set of technologies for the professional polylingual personality building of future specialists of non-linguistic training profiles allow to increase their competitiveness in the labour market. The pedagogical potential of innovative teaching technologies in the multilingual educational space of higher education institution is aimed at the development of creative individual abilities of students, meeting their needs in moral, physical and intellectual improvement, their self-organisation. The developed set of technologies can be applied in the training of undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate students of non-language universities, students of further professional retraining.

Meningkatkan Potensi Kampung Wisata Pengolahan Susu Samar sebagai Destinasi Wisata Digital melalui Pemanfaatan Aset MOOC

The aim of this community service is to develop the Samar Milk Processing Tourism Village as a digital tourism destination through the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) assets. This implementation focuses on efforts to utilize MOOCs as an important tool to improve education, development and marketing of dairy farming-based tourist destinations in Samar Village through the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) method. Media expert validation results show an approval level of 89.5% for the concept of using MOOCs in marketing tourist destinations. Meanwhile, the material expert validation results reached an agreement level of 92.5%, indicating that this approach was received positively by experts in the field of milk processing. Furthermore, the implementation of this activity also recorded a significant increase in the learning outcomes of participants who took part in the MOOC related to the dairy industry. This confirms that the use of MOOCs in digital tourism destination-based education and training can provide real benefits. Keywords: MOOC; Asset; Tourism; Digital; Samar’s Milk

Digital technology and student engagement in online synchronous collaborative learning sessions / Tecnología digital y participación de los estudiantes en las sesiones de aprendizaje colaborativo en línea

This study examines students’ engagement in online synchronous collaborative learning (OSCL) sessions in a massive open online course (MOOC). The study focuses on the role of digital technologies in facilitating students’ agency in collaborative meaning-making activities. The primary data sources for the study were video recordings of OSCL sessions, which were analysed using the method of interaction analysis and interpreted through the lens of cultural-historical theory. The findings revealed four interconnected activities of collaborative meaning-making: establishing social connections and presence, reflecting on prior learning, sharing digital artefacts and reflecting on shared understanding. The progression from one activity to another unfolded as students contributed to collaborative learning activities using their own ideas and problem-solving approaches. The use of individually created digital artefacts, such as examination assignment drafts, deepened interactions and meaning-making processes, enhancing students’ agency in collaborative learning. The findings of this study provide insights into pedagogical strategies that can enhance student agency in MOOC environments, highlighting the crucial role of digital artefacts in developing students’ agency in collaborative learning.

Development of Online-Based Learning Media with Massive Open Online Courses Method on Instructor Methodology Competency in the Directorate of Competency Standardization and Training Programs, Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia

This study aims for Vocational and Productivity Training Centers throughout Indonesia to implement the development of online-based learning media with the MOOC method on instructor methodology competency. This study integrates the Borg and Gall development method with ADDIE Learning Design. Data analysis uses qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. The results shown are the feasibility assessment by media experts obtained a score of 99.13%. The feasibility assessment by design experts obtained a score of 61.67% and the feasibility assessment by material experts obtained a score of 88.04%. Based on this assessment, it is considered feasible to use. The response of participants in the small group test was considered feasible with a score of 79.63%. In the large group trial, a score of 92.42% was shown which was categorized as very feasible. The effectiveness test was assessed by the test according to Donald Kick Patrick, namely the reaction level and learning level, the reaction level was tested with a cut-off point where the value was 96%, it can be seen that the value is above the cut-off point so that it can be categorized as very satisfied, thus the reaction test of this product is very effective. The learning level is calculated by looking at the significance between the values before and after the trial, the results show that the significance value is less than the specified value, which is at 0.001 <0.05 significance value so that there is a significant difference, thus this learning media can be categorized as effective.

A Probability-Based Model for Course Completion Prediction in Online Asynchronous Learning

The sheer scale of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), presents a significant challenge in delivering personalized learning experiences and effective student support. With vast participation numbers, it becomes difficult for instructors to track individual progress, pinpoint specific areas where students struggle, and understand the underlying reasons for failure to complete the course. This lack of individualized attention can lead to disengagement and higher dropout rates. A probability-based analysis offers a solution by generating student-specific predictions about their likelihood of completion. This empowers educators to proactively identify those at risk, tailor interventions, optimize resource allocation, and potentially improve the overall learning experience within the MOOC environment. This study focuses on developing a robust predictive framework to accurately estimate the probability of students completing an introductory programming course offered on the Open Learning Platform of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. The approach began with a classification model to determine the likelihood of course completion. Building upon this, a regression model was developed to generate a specific probability percentage representing the chance of a student successfully completing the course within a designated time frame. Initial findings suggested that predictions from the classification model achieved the highest accuracy when students have completed approximately 42.8% of the course materials. It is anticipated that further refinements to the methodology will improve the reliability of the predictions. A crucial aspect of this research involves determining the optimal percentage of course progress needed to yield reliable probability predictions. This is investigated through systematic analysis and experimentations including incremental model testing. The dataset encompasses diverse demographic and educational variables, enabling the identification of influential factors affecting course completion. This study provides insights on developing personalized learning strategies, intervention tactics and academic planning within online asynchronous education.

Enhancing Reusability Practices in Massive Online Open Courses

Over the past decade, the emergence of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) has profoundly transformed the distance learning landscape, capturing the attention of both higher education and professional institutions. This surge of interest has not only spurred the development of innovative teaching and learning methods but has also led to a re-evaluation of content production and reuse strategies. In fact, when producing MOOCs, multiple resources and efforts are dedicated to creating a considerable amount of learning material. This is often housed within the learning environment, which serves as a sort of repository and it is accessible by learners throughout the course. However, due to a lack of management support or internal organisational structure, the use of this material sometimes remains limited to the existence of the MOOC, causing it not to be actively employed and exploited after the course has ended. Lately, issues regarding MOOCs’ content management have raised critical questions about the long-term sustainability, reusability and management of the created online learning material even after the end of the online course. By using as a case study the three interlinked MOOCs on European History, Law and Governance developed in the framework of the KU Leuven programme in European Studies and the effort invested in both the planning and afterlife of the MOOC, this paper provides an overview of the formulas adopted to enhance learning content reusability. Drawing from KU Leuven’s extensive experience in creating humanities-focused MOOCs, this collection of interconnected online courses represents a novel attempt at offering a series of educational courses that are designed to complement each other not only in terms of content but also in terms of content management. Also, by contributing to the discussion on MOOCs' reusability this paper intends to emphasise the importance of establishing clear guidelines to enhance educational content reuse, ultimately contributing to the long-term educational value of MOOCs.

Exploring the influence of a massive open online course (MOOC) for preparing rehabilitation professionals to meet the needs of forcibly displaced persons

BackgroundTo assist in the global training of rehabilitation professionals to address the unique needs of forcibly displaced persons, a free massive open online course (MOOC) was developed. This study aimed to explore self-perceived knowledge following completion of courses within the MOOC, ability to implement changes in practice, and participant engagement with the MOOC content.MethodsThe Kirkpatrick Model was used to assess the effectiveness of the course with a focus on reaction, learning, and behavior. Participant interaction with the course content was explored using thematic analysis of the MOOC’s discussion forum content. Participants in the MOOC were asked to complete pre and post-surveys of self-perceived knowledge regarding the rehabilitation of displaced persons. Mean within-subject pre and post-MOOC data were compared using the Mann U Whitney test. Knowledge implementation after six months was assessed with a follow-up survey.ResultsSelf-reported knowledge following completion of the MOOC improved significantly on individual survey questions (p≤.004) as well as composite score (p < .001). Six months following completion of the course, participants noted the ability to implement multiple strategies into practice. Three themes emerged from the discussion forum postings: (1) Understanding the persons lived experience to provide effective, holistic, patient-centered care, (2) Communication to develop a sense of connection and facilitate the provision of quality care, and (3) The importance of culturally responsive practice.ConclusionThe MOOC effectively delivered the fundamental knowledge to address the complex needs of displaced individuals among a diverse group of practicing rehabilitation professionals and can play a role in preparing the rehabilitation workforce for increased population displacement, alongside specialist programs in related themes.

Examining the Influence of Online Social Networks and MOOCs on Collaborative Practices among TVET Teachers: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Trust

This study examines the impact of online social networks (OSN) and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on collaborative practices among vocational training educators, focusing on the mediating role of interpersonal trust. Using a quantitative research design, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analyzed data from 343 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers via a survey assessing MOOC usage, OSN, teacher collaboration, and interpersonal trust. Findings indicate a significant positive relationship between OSN and MOOCs, suggesting their potential to enhance collaborative learning environments. However, a negative direct effect of OSN on teacher collaboration reveals challenges that hinder effective engagement. Importantly, interpersonal trust is identified as a crucial mediator, highlighting the necessity of fostering trust among educators to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing. The research addresses a gap in understanding how MOOCs can enhance collaboration among TVET teachers and improve student outcomes, emphasizing the importance of integrating OSNs and MOOCs into vocational training frameworks while cultivating a culture of trust. Ultimately, the study suggests that leveraging OSNs and MOOCs, alongside interpersonal trust, can transform collaborative practices, benefiting both educators and students. Future research should explore the complexities of these relationships, especially barriers to collaboration and effective strategies for utilizing online networks in vocational training.

The digital fingerprint of learner behavior: Empirical evidence for individuality in learning using deep learning

Personalized learning builds upon the fundamental assumption of uniqueness in learning behavior, often taken for granted. Quite surprisingly, however, the literature provides little to no empirical evidence backing the existence of individual learning behaviors. Driven by curiosity, we challenge this axiom. Our operationalization of a unique learning behavior draws an analogy to a fingerprint – a distinctive trait that sets individuals apart, which we correspondingly termed the ‘Digital Fingerprint of Learner Behavior’ (DFL). If such a thing as DFL truly exists, then given enough fine-grained behavioral data, we argue that it should be possible to model a DFL to a level of discriminability that enables training machine learning models to associate (map) between the (de-identified) digital traces of the same learner in diverse contexts. To test our hypothesis, we experimented with data from 24 MITx massive open online courses (MOOCs) offered via edX between 2014 and 2017. We focused our investigation on contexts where both the content and platform remain constant. A learner's DFL was computed from the learner's activity data within a specific course chapter, as stored in the system's logs. The results show that the mean level of accuracy (across courses) in identifying unseen DFLs is 0.582 (SD=0.173). Using Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), we rank 686 features for their importance in differentiating between DFLs. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence that learners' behavior is unique to a degree that can distinguish between them on an individual level, similar to the level of identification provided by a fingerprint, and sets a benchmark for the task of DFL identification.

Toward a comprehensive understanding of massive open online course adoption among college students

AbstractThis paper investigated the factors affecting the behavioral intention (BI) and usage behavior (UB) of 548 Chinese college students in massive open online courses (MOOCs). We extended the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model by incorporating self‐regulated learning (SRL) management, perceived pleasure (PP), and perceived cost constructs. This study also analyzed the moderating role of individual differences in gender, grade, major, and experience in MOOCs. Data were collected through both offline surveys across 10 universities and an online survey platform. Results from structural equation modeling and multi‐linear regression analyses revealed that students' BI was significantly and positively influenced by six factors: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions (FC), social influence, SRL management (SM), and PP. Furthermore, we found that UB was predicted by BI, FC, and SM. Moreover, BI played a mediating role in the relationship between the two determining variables (i.e., FC and SM) and UB. Differences in MOOC experience level had a moderation effect. The study provided implications for various stakeholders regarding designing MOOC platforms, structures, and teaching activities.

Barriers, Strategies and Accessibility: Enhancing Engagement and Retention of Learners with Disabilities in MOOCs – A Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

This systematic literature review examines the barriers, strategies, and accessibility issues affecting the engagement and retention of learners with disabilities in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Employing the PRISMA procedures, this study systematically identifies and analyzes relevant literature from five prestigious databases: (a) Scopus, (b) ScienceDirect, (c) Emerald, (d) SpringerLink, and (e) EBSCOhost in order to identify (1) the common barriers experienced by learners with disabilities in MOOCs, (2) the strategies that can be employed to improve the engagement and participation of special needs students in MOOCs and (3) influence of accessibility on engagement and retention rates of learners with disabilities in MOOCs. After conducting the screening and eligibility analysis according to the pre-defined criteria, 19 studies of out 624 sources were finally selected between 2014–2024. The review underscores the necessity for comprehensive policy frameworks and institutional commitment to inclusivity. It emphasizes the adoption of universal design principles are essential in bridging the accessibility gap. These measures are pivotal in fostering an inclusive learning environment in MOOCs, significantly enhancing engagement and retention rates among learners with disabilities. The insights from this review provide a solid foundation for educators, policymakers, and platform developers to create more inclusive and supportive online learning experiences for students with disabilities.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as Catalysts of Educational Transformation in the Higher Education Sector of Sri Lanka: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review evaluates the transformative effects of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Sri Lanka’s higher education and library services. It explores how MOOCs democratize education by broadening access to previously costly and limited educational infrastructure and integrating them into library practices for enhanced access and professional development. The review synthesizes various sources to assess MOOC utilization, challenges like low completion rates, inconsistent quality, and digital divides. Strategic improvements are proposed to align MOOCs with educational and socio-economic goals in Sri Lanka. The findings highlight MOOCs’ current uses, barriers, and potential as supplements to traditional education, aiming to optimize learning outcomes and support educational transformation in both academic and library environments.

Early detection of serious but struggling learners in MOOCs using ensemble deep learning

ABSTRACT This study works on the early identification of serious but struggling students in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which facilitates a transition to a hybrid learning format. Firstly, we exclusively utilize basic behavior log features that are universally available across all MOOC platforms. Secondly, we encode each learning activity with a distinct identifier, which helps us utilize the current advances in NLP to address our problem. Thirdly, we seamlessly integrate our LSTM model with a Logistic Regression model, configured as a single dense layer with a sigmoid activation function, within the broader framework of deep learning.

Construcción de MOOC con avatares generados mediante IA: estudio de caso aplicado y evaluación de percepciones

This case study describes and analyzes the integration of AI-generated avatars as communication tools in educational videos within Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Various aspects were analyzed: the acceptance of the avatar as a communication medium, the credibility and empathy conveyed by it, the retention of attention throughout the videos, and its contribution to conveying the message clearly and understandably. A quantitative descriptive analysis and qualitative analysis of surveys completed at the end of the course were conducted. The preliminary descriptions suggest that AI-generated avatars could function as substitutes for human recordings to convey information. Greater refinement of the technology and further efficacy studies on knowledge conveyance and cost-effectiveness are still required to determine the advantage of this technology compared to traditional recordings.