ERIC Number: EJ1277090
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Nov
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
Heterogeneity of Learners' Behavioral Patterns of Watching Videos and Completing Assessments in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): A Latent Class Analysis
Kang, In Gu
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, v21 n4 p221-237 Nov 2020
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been touted as an effective way to make higher education accessible for free or for only a small fee, thus addressing the problem of unequal access and providing new opportunities to young people in middle and low income groups. However, many critiques of MOOCs have indicated that low completion rates are a major concern. Using a latent class analysis (LCA), a more advanced methodology to identify latent subgroups, this study examined the heterogeneity of learners' behavioral patterns in a MOOC, categorized them into distinctive subgroups, and ultimately determined the optimal number of latent subgroups in a MOOC. The five subgroups identified in this study were: "completing" (6.6%); "disengaging" (4.8%); "auditing" (4.6%); "sampling" (21.1%); and "enrolling" (62.8%). Results indicated this was the optimal number of subgroups. Given the characteristics of the three at-risk subgroups (disengaging, sampling, and enrolling), tailored instructional strategies and interventions to improve behavioral engagement are discussed.
Descriptors: Online Courses, Large Group Instruction, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Student Behavior, Video Technology, Higher Education, Teaching Methods, Learner Engagement, Student Characteristics, At Risk Students, Intervention, Dropouts, Academic Persistence, Enrollment
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: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A