How Do Massive Open Online Course Learners' Intentions Relate to Their Behaviors and Overall Outcomes?

• In Event: 60.085 - Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: 60.085-6 - Online Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session 1

Abstract

The match between learner’s intentions and their learning behaviours is missing from the majority of discussion on learning outcomes in MOOCs. The present study tackles this challenge by investigating the relationship among intentions, behaviours and outcomes in six Coursera MOOCs. Grounded in a rich MOOC dataset that included pre-course surveys, learners’ click logs, and course completion data, we integrated statistical analysis and data mining techniques to address research questions from different angles. Results from cross tabulation and a chi-square test of independence implied an impact of learning intentions on behaviors. Frequent Sequence Mining showed promise in detecting different frequent sequences in different learner groups defined by intents and outcomes.

Authors

• Bodong Chen, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Stian Håklev, OISE/University of Toronto

• Laurie Harrison, University of Toronto

• Hedieh Najafi, University of Michigan

• Carol N. Rolheiser, OISE/University of Toronto