A Mixed Method Study of Instructor Design and Delivery of MOOCs for Participant Self-directed Learning
Abstract: This mixed methods study investigates the design and delivery of MOOCs to facilitate learners’ self-directed learning (SDL). Four instructors participated a semi-structured online interview via Zoom and their MOOCs were reviewed as well. An online survey was sent to 483 MOOC instructors worldwide through an online survey tool, SurveyMonkey, with 48 valid responses. The study found that instructors considered SDL as either a skill that can be educated or personal attributes that can be changed. Most of them believed that MOOC instructors can intentionally create a learning environment to help develop SDL skills. Three-quarters of these instructors considered student SDL when they designed MOOCs. In terms of their MOOC design and delivery practices to facilitate SDL, it seems that the impact is primarily on learner self-monitoring and motivation. However, its impact on students’ self-management is limited.
Presider: Anne Montgomery, University of Phoenix