MOOC Learner Personas: The Seeker, the Undecided, and the Goal-Oriented (Poster 19)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 2:30 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Online Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

This study identifies three distinct learner personas—Knowledge Seeker, Undecided Explorer, and Goal-Oriented Learner—in an introductory statistics MOOC by analyzing learner intentions and course performance. Using latent class analysis (LCA) on 2,757 student responses, along with demographic details and final grades, the study links motivations and intentions to actual performance. These personas highlight varied motivations for MOOC participation, such as curiosity, social engagement, career advancement, and academic goals. This approach offers valuable insights for personalized educational strategies, enhancing engagement and success in MOOCs and supporting the democratization of education for diverse populations. These personas allow for a nuanced view of learner intentions within MOOCs and create frameworks for future learner-focused MOOC research.

Authors

• Rob Moore, University of Florida

• Chuang Wang, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Lan Liu, University of Macau

• Sophia Soomin Lee, University of Florida