Exploring MOOC user behaviors beyond platforms

Abstract

MOOC user behavior is generally studied using the data collected within platform interactions in the learning system or via outside social media platforms. It is important to understand the root causes of anomalies in MOOCs, such as the 80% attrition, less interactions within platforms and what causing the reflected behaviors beyond platforms. We study MOOC student behaviors outside the platform using ethnographic methods, mainly focusing on diary study and interviews. Two groups, 11 extreme users who have completed many MOOCs and 10 who never completed MOOC have been used to collect data. The log sheets data and interviews were analyzed using the Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) method to explore if there is a significance between these 2 groups and other qualitative comparisons to explore behavioral patterns. Our results indicated 4 behavioral patterns with insights into a significant level of learner's habits between extreme and novice users’ behaviors leading to completion or dropping. This reflects the design gaps of MOOC platforms and based on the behavioral patterns, we provide recommendations to meet the learners' needs.