ERIC Number: EJ1393621
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-May
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1492-3831
Exploring the Influence of Countries' Economic Conditions on Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Participation: A Study of 3.5 Million MITx Learners
Cagiltay, Nergiz Ercil; Toker, Sacip; Cagiltay, Kursat
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, v24 n2 p1-17 May 2023
It is well known that there are disparities in access to education around the world, with developed countries generally having better educational resources and opportunities compared to developing countries. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been proposed as a way to bridge this gap by providing free or low-cost online education to anyone with an Internet connection. This study aimed to better understand the effects of location, both country and region, on the use of MOOCs, using data from 3.5 million learners who registered for MOOCs offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The data set provided a broad picture of how MOOCs are being used around the globe. The results of the study indicated significant differences in the use of MOOCs among students from different countries and their corresponding economic levels. In order to address these differences and improve access to education through MOOCs, the study suggested several actions that could be taken. These include providing better infrastructure and support for MOOC learners in developing countries, increasing awareness of and access to MOOCs in these regions, and working to improve the quality and relevance of MOOC offerings. Overall, the study highlighted the potential of MOOCs to bridge the educational gap between developed and developing countries, but also emphasized the need for continued efforts to remove barriers and improve access to these resources.
Descriptors: MOOCs, Access to Education, Economic Factors, Geographic Location, Participation, Cultural Differences, Economic Status, Developing Nations, Developed Nations, Barriers, Foreign Countries, Enrollment Rate
Athabasca University Press. 1200, 10011-109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-497-3412; Fax: 780-421-3298; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Asia; Europe; Latin America; Caribbean; Africa; North America; Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A