Learners' Experiences in MOOCs: A Qualitative Research Synthesis

• In Event: The Learner’s Perspective: Exploring Retention, Critical Thinking, Motivation, and Experiences

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research synthesis (Major & Savin-Baden, 2010) that answered the following question: What are learners’ experiences with MOOCs? The authors identified 96 peer-review articles on MOOC research published between 2008-2017. This initial number was narrowed down to six qualitative articles that focused on learner experiences in MOOCs. After a two round review cycle, the authors developed new themes of course design expertise, presence and distance, how much is too much, the “me” in social media, and competing interests.

Authors

• Stephanie J Blackmon, The College of William & Mary

• Rob Moore, North Carolina State University