To read this content please select one of the options below:

“COVID-19 and students perception about MOOCs” a case of Indian higher educational institutions

Manivannan Anand Shankar Raja (Department of Commerce, Christ University, Bangalore, India)
Tomy K. Kallarakal (School of Commerce, Finance and Accountancy, Christ University, Bangalore, India)

Interactive Technology and Smart Education

ISSN: 1741-5659

Article publication date: 8 December 2020

Issue publication date: 4 October 2021

2192

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the outcomes of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the light of COVID-19 concerning the students of higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India. The COVID-19 has disrupted the normal teaching-learning role across the world and has put everyone in a nightmare. HEIs are now requesting students to take up MOOCs to explore and attain knowledge and the same is even followed by the corporate institutions. MOOCs are one of the crisis management solutions to ensure that education is continuous and not disrupted.

Design/methodology/approach

The data included in this research has been collected from students of HEIs across India using a convenient sampling method. The collected data was exposed to a factor analysis using a principal component analysis (PCA) technique to reduce multiple dimensions.

Findings

The various stakeholders such as the government, HEIs and the MOOC providers have to play a crucial role in developing intellectual human assets for the nation’s growth and progression by extending flexible and cost-effective learning facilities. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation.

Research limitations/implications

From the research, it is well understood that MOOCs are useful to keep oneself updated with the market and industry trends especially when the world is focusing on business analytics, artificial intelligence and other technologically driven topics and concepts.

Practical implications

The present study contributes to the growing body of evidence that MOOCs play an important role in providing flexibility in learning. In the future, if there are similar crisis, which will disrupt education, then the best alternative will be MOOC through which many stakeholders will benefit. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation.

Social implications

Education is a service for the society which will have a long-term positive impact on improving the standard of living of the people. Hence, MOOCs can be one of the educational elements to provide learning opportunities to all age groups.

Originality/value

This study has explored the perception of MOOCs among the students of HEIs in India in the COVID-19 pandemic. The fresh data collected from the students is a reflection of their experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. Indeed, it is quite surprising to know that majority of the respondents have arranged to learn during the pandemic, which shows the thirst and urge to learn. Digital technology and tools are welcomed and accepted by the student community.

Keywords

Citation

Anand Shankar Raja, M. and Kallarakal, T.K. (2021), "“COVID-19 and students perception about MOOCs” a case of Indian higher educational institutions", Interactive Technology and Smart Education, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 450-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-07-2020-0106

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles