Author : Ghada Refaat
CoAuthors : Kate Hone
Source : Computers & Education
Date of Publication : 04/2016
Abstract :
opportunities
to a global audience. However, evidence suggests that only a small proportion
of MOOC participants go on to complete their courses and relatively little is understood
about the MOOC design and implementation factors that influence retention. This paper
reports a survey study of 379 participants enrolled at university in Cairo who were
encouraged to take a MOOC of their own choice as part of their development. 122 participants
(32.2%) went onto to complete an entire course. There were no significant differences
in completion rates by gender, level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) or
MOOC platform. A post-MOOC survey of students' perceptions found that MOOC Course
Content was a significant predictor of MOOC retention, with the relationship mediated by
the effect of content on the Perceived Effectiveness of the course. Interaction with the
instructor of the MOOC was also found to be significant predictor of MOOC retention.
Overall these constructs explained 79% of the variance in MOOC retention.
Download PDF