Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their effect on learners motivation

Abstract

Recently Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have undergone rapid expansion and received considerable attention from numerous populations. In spite of the vast recognition of MOOCs as vital component within educational practices, there are still numerous questions as to how student’s needs might be satisfied, as evident by the high dropout rates. This research aims to determine the factors affecting student motivation in course completion and the approaches used by teachers to ensure that their students complete these courses. To help in building such an understanding, an in-depth interview was conducted with course facilitator at the international Islamic university and a survey on learner’s motivation to complete MOOCs courses was given to the students who were enrolled in MOOCs. The main purpose of this survey was to gather information on the factors that encourage courses completion. This process was done by investigating student motivations, the student’s perceptions of learning as well as their experience towards MOOCs, Typically focusing on the affordances of MOOCs as well as the experiences that may lead to or cause an increase in dropout rates. This study has recognized the learning motivations, learning styles, and various factors that seem to affect and contribute to student motivation.