Finishing What You Start: Predicting Goals and Completion in Massive Open Online Courses

• In Event: Online Teaching and Learning SIG Paper Session 3

Abstract

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have become highly popular and accessible ways of engaging with coursework on a variety of topics from top-rated universities. However, research on course goals of MOOC participants and how these goals influence course completion is still in its nascence. Using self-reported data from almost 10,000 MOOC students, the present study sought to address this gap in the literature by studying demographics and course characteristics as predictors of student goals. Further, regression analyses were conducted to determine the impact of student goals MOOC completion rates. Results suggest that student demographics and course discipline account for a significant proportion of variance in goals and completion, respectively. Implications for course design of MOOCs and future research are addressed.

Authors

• Kyle M. Williams, The University of Texas at Austin

• Erin D. Reilly, The University of Texas - Austin

• Stephanie B. Corliss, The University of Texas - Austin

• Rose Stafford, The University of Texas - Austin