Are MOOCs Open to Everyone? Investigation of an Underrepresented MOOC Population

• In Event: Social Networks and the Building of Learning

Abstract

This study examined underrepresented MOOC learners; two-year college students in South Korea in terms of their perceptions of MOOCs and learning readiness for MOOCs. Research findings revealed that approximately 90% of participants were unaware of MOOCs and few students had previously taken a MOOC. These results indicate that it is necessary to advertise MOOCs effectively to underrepresented learners. Most participants were optimistic about the effects of MOOCs for individual development. Some learners, however, were concerned about their lack of commitment or low self-regulation to complete MOOCs. In terms of motivation, grit, and self-regulation, the learning readiness of two-year college students for MOOCs was moderate. Additionally, two-year college students preferred MOOCs with practical content offered in short study periods.

Authors

• Min Young Doo, Kangwon National University

• Curtis J. Bonk, Indiana University

• Jungwon Kim, Korea University