Share Paper: Personal Learning Goals versus Attrition in MOOCs: A Learner Framework for MOOC 2.0

  1. Ellen S. Hoffman, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States
  2. Michael P. Menchaca, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States
Tuesday, October 20 1:30 PM-2:00 PM Alii I

Abstract: MOOCs come in many flavors and are intended to serve many purposes, but most of the literature focuses on the supplier—system or instructor—view of success. As a result, when determining positive outcomes, criteria center on measuring completion of courses as primary evidence. The resulting critiques pan MOOCs for high attrition rates. In this paper, we present a new model for understanding MOOCs from a learner or demand perspective, arguing that course completion and high grades may not be the most appropriate model for judging success in informal learning by those participating in MOOCs for no credit. We consider issues of ...