Heather B. Shapiro|Clara H. Lee|Noelle E. Wyman Roth|Kun Li|Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel|Dorian A. Canelas
Understanding the massive open online course (MOOC) student experience: An examination of attitudes, motivations, and barriers
Duke University|Duke University|Stanford University|Duke University|Duke University|Duke University
widespread development open access online course materials last two decades advances made understanding impact instructional design quantitative outcomes much less known experiences learners affect engagement course content case study employing text analysis interview transcripts revealed authentic voices participants gained deeper understanding motivations barriers course engagements experienced students participating massive open online courses moocs sought understand learners take courses specifically introduction chemistry data analysis statistical inference identify factors inside outside course setting impacted engagement learning thirtysix participants courses interviewed students varied age experience subject matter worldwide geographical location interviewee statements neutral attitude sentiment analysis interview transcripts revealed 80 percent statements either extremely positive negative found positive rather negative important overall positive climate known correlate higher academic achievement traditional education settings demographic data added sentiment analysis students already earned bachelors degrees found positive courses students either less formal education highly statistically significant result general students america critical students africa asia sentiments female participants comments generally less positive male participants examination student statements related motivations revealed knowledge work convenience personal interest frequently coded nodes generally referred codes hand lack time prevalently coded barrier students barriers challenges cited interviewed learners included previous bad classroom experiences subject matter inadequate background lack resources money infrastructure internet access results enriched illustrative quotes interview transcripts compared contrasted previous findings reported literature thus study enhances field providing voices learners