Using multi-platform learning analytics to compare regional and global MOOC learning in the Arab world
Name
ArabWorld_CE_postprint.pdf
Description
Submitted version
Size
1.49 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
da2531517757648cb066297832a8a6e4
Author(s)
Ruipérez-Valiente, José A
Halawa, Sherif
Slama, Rachel
Reich, Justin
Date Issued
2020
Journal
Computers and Education
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Version
Original manuscript
Abstract
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd Recent studies of massive open online courses (MOOCs) have focused on global providers such as edX, Coursera, and FutureLearn, with less attention to local initiatives that target regional learners. In this study we combine data from the main edX platform and one regional MOOC provider, Edraak in Jordan, to explore differences in learners’ behavior and preferences. We find that regional provider Edraak attracts younger learners, more females and those with lower levels of education compared to global providers. Edraak learners value local courses because they cater to their interests and learning needs. We document our multi-platform learning analytics procedure, where we establish a common data format and script that enables an “apples-to-apples” comparison without exchanging data — a common privacy and data security concern. These findings suggest the potential of this methodological approach to study and learn from regional MOOC providers, particularly around the questions of equity and access in the global MOOC ecosystem.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Program in Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Terms of Use
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.COMPEDU.2019.103776
