MOOC Instructor Motivations, Innovations, and Designs: Surveys, Interviews, and Course Reviews

• In Event: Paper Session: Innovations in Online Instruction

Abstract

This mixed methods study explores instructor motivations for offering massive open online courses (MOOCs) as well as the instructional innovations used to enhance the MOOC design. The researchers surveyed 143 MOOCs instructors worldwide, interviewed 12 of these instructors via Zoom, and extensively reviewed the MOOCs of the interviewees. The primary motivations for offering MOOCs included “growth” needs such as curiosity about MOOCs and the exploration of new ways of teaching. In addition, “relatedness” needs of instructors included reaching more people, showing off research and teaching, marketing their university, integrating interactive technology, and obtaining peer reviews. The perceived instructional innovations included using problem-based learning, service learning in MOOCs, and cutting videos into chucks. Overall, instructors were satisfied with their MOOC designs.

Authors

• Curtis J. Bonk, Indiana University

• Meina Zhu, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Annisa Sari, Indiana University - Bloomington