Recently, distance education has become popular and has gotten much attention. Information and Communication Technology advances fostered distance learning creation and enabled individuals to participate in the education process via various web-based platforms and study entirely online. Thus, the notion of e-learning and distance learning emerged. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) appeared as part of e-learning in 2008 and attracted great interest, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was anticipated that this kind of study also could be integrated into higher education and revolutionize the learning approach. However, several issues related to MOOCs limit their full potential. One of the most significant problems is substantial rate of learners’ attrition. It was discovered that only 5-10 percent of MOOC learners complete a course. This thesis aims to examine what influences individuals’ decision to leave MOOCs and how learners perceive various course components to get ideas regarding how MOOCs could be enhanced. To do this, the mixed-method study was undertaken where quantitative data analysis of learners’ reviews from discussion forums and qualitative interviews were adopted. It allowed to get two perspectives and broaden the thesis out- come. For the current research, data was collected from six courses in three different subjects-«Health», «Art and Humanity/Design» and «Computer/Data Science». In the first part of the work, sentiment analysis and topic modeling using Python packages were carried out, and then the results were used to construct an interview questionnaire. Lexicon-based sentiment analysis technique and LDA topic modeling algorithm were utilized and proved to be robust methods to extract texts’ polarity and peoples’ opinions. In the qualitative part, 19 topics of discussion were identified, which were consolidated into eight topics with higher abstraction – materials, instructor, content, time, assignment, feedback, program(course), and algorithms. Then during the qualitative part, participants expressed their opinions regarding these topics, and analysis codes were predefined, and new topics did not emerge. The results showed learners’ perceptions related to presented topics and how these aspects influence experience with MOOCs. The outcome also showed a slight disparity between different subject learners, in both qualitative and quantitative studies identified topics of discussion were not exactly the same, showing that learners from different educational domains tend to discuss different themes.

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Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T18:23:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tatiana Higa Pasini.pdf: 1322672 bytes, checksum: cf604ff144bfca526f662102e18625ca (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-08-07 / Set in the context of the distance education, this research investigated the process of combining elements of design of an online course components. The analyzed course was Teachers Links: Reflexão e Desenvolvimento para professores de inglês, a course for English teachers. This course has gone through a process of redesigning and a new component was included, the Reflection component, considering the reflective teacher practices. Since then, considering this new component, questions have arisen about the content being established, the component development, the team responsible for its development and also about the existence of an articulation between the new component and the component which already existed, the Development component. From these concerns, this study has chosen to discuss the process of articulating the design elements in the tow components, as the component Reflection was planned after the Development component and the Reflection had to adapt to it so that the final design outcome was consistent and harmonious. The elements of design investigated in both components were: a) the language used in the pages of the course; due to the fact the language materializes the relations between the teacher and the student and the relations between the designer and the student, b) the mediation strategies and c) the design itself, the components planning. These elements were analyzed in the units of each component; each unit is made up by 5 activities. In order to substantiate the analysis, the theoretical concepts in this study are the Systemic-Functional Linguistics (Halliday, 1985), the mediation concept proposed by Vygotsky (1929/1998a, 1934/1998b) and the concepts of design proposed by Reigeluth (1999), Nielsen (2000), Collins (2003) and by Filatro (2004). As a result of this research, it was noted that the Development and the Reflection components have the design elements really well articulated, coherent and harmonious, fruit of a team work that shares the same ideal for the online courses / Inserida no contexto de ensino a distância, esta pesquisa investigou o processo de articulação de elementos de design dos componentes de um curso on-line. O curso analisado foi o Teachers Links: Reflexão e Desenvolvimento para professores de inglês, curso de aperfeiçoamento para professores de inglês. Esse curso passou por um processo de reformulação e incluiu um novo componente, o componente Reflexão, voltado às práticas reflexivas do professor. Desde então, no âmbito desse novo componente, surgiram indagações a respeito do conteúdo a ser estabelecido, dos procedimentos de desenvolvimento, da equipe que se responsabilizaria pelo Reflexão e a respeito da existência de uma integração entre o novo componente e o componente já existente no curso, o componente Desenvolvimento. Partindo dessas inquietações, este estudo optou por discutir o processo de articulação dos elementos de design entre os dois componentes, pois o componente Reflexão foi planejado posteriormente ao componente Desenvolvimento e teve que a ele se adaptar , de modo que o resultado final do design fosse coerente e harmonioso. Os elementos do design investigados em ambos os componentes foram: a) a linguagem utilizada nas páginas do curso, uma vez que ela materializa as relações existentes entre o professor e o aluno e entre o designer e o aluno, b) as estratégias de mediação e c) o próprio design, o desenho e o planejamento dos componentes. Esses elementos foram analisados nas atividades das unidades de cada componente, totalizando 15 atividades, sendo 5 em cada unidade, expressas nas páginas do curso. Com o intuito de fundamentar a análise, as concepções teóricas presentes neste estudo são a Lingüística Sistêmico-Funcional (Halliday,1985), a concepção de mediação proposta por Vygotsky (1929/1998a, 1934/1998b) e seus seguidores e as concepções de design propostas por Reigeluth (1999), Nielsen (2000), Collins (2003) e por Filatro (2004). Como resultado da pesquisa, constatou-se que os componentes Desenvolvimento e Reflexão apresentam os elementos de design muito bem articulados, coerentes e harmoniosos, frutos de um trabalho em equipes que compartilham o mesmo ideal para cursos on-line

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The purpose of this research was to determine how MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) can be introduced and implemented in Higher Education institutions in Mauritius. The study explored the perspectives of students, teachers and educational leaders using an exploratory case study approach, and involved the implementation of short MOOC-based courses in three areas of higher education in Mauritius. While much of the existing literature on MOOCs has used quantitative data to explore patterns of enrolment and retention, this study explicitly focused on student experience, and used Garrison, Anderson and Archer’s (2000) Community of Inquiry (COI) model to explore patterns of ‘presence’ and pedagogical preferences and needs of learners. In order to explore how these preferences, together with other contextual factors might affect the adoption of MOOCs in Mauritius, Venkatesh and Davis’s (2000) Technology Acceptance Model2 (TAM2) was used. The COI and TAM2 models were used both as analytical frameworks, but also to develop a new composite model that also can function as a boundary object (Bowker and Star, 1999; Fox, 2011) enabling different stakeholders to understand each other’s needs and expectations and communicate better with each other. For Mauritian learners, teaching presence in online environments is of critical importance: this is reflected in different scenarios of MOOC implementation identified, and in a proposed staged model for MOOC adoption across the HE sector in Mauritius. This involves further pilots and preliminary research (stage 1), integration of MOOCs into practice (stage 2), customisation and development of MOOCs (stage 3) and a MOOC for Mauritius (stage 4), with each stage informing the implementation of subsequent stages as part of a broad action research framework. The original contributions made by the research to the knowledge base of its possible audiences include: providing models of practice for teachers and educational leaders; informing the educational leaders and policy makers about how MOOCs can be successfully implemented in Mauritius; providing detailed case studies on MOOCs to the academic audience interested in MOOCs specifically; and proposing a new composite, pedagogically-informed, technology acceptance model to those academics who are interested in online pedagogy and technology acceptance. The results of this PhD research can also inform the introduction and effective implementation of MOOCs in other less-economically developed countries.

Advocates of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), a cross-cultural phenomenon that has attracted public attention throughout the world, portray them as an equalizing force in international higher education; but researchers have noted discrepancies in how learners from different countries have engaged with them. The number of MOOC learners in China is growing rapidly, and Chinese learners are enthusiastic about the unprecedented freedom they now have in selecting courses and accessing resources from the best international universities. However, they have a significantly low completion rate and may experience unique challenges about which little is known. This study took into account the diversity of MOOC learners and proposed changes to its course design to make it more inclusive for Chinese students. I used a mixed method—including document analysis, surveys, and interviews—to investigate the Chinese experience of taking Western MOOCs and also to explore the educational theories and design principles of MOOCs that have been discussed in the Western and Chinese literature. My analysis of the literature revealed issues of contextualization that may play a critical role in improving the MOOC experience for Chinese students. Drawing on theoretical educational frameworks—including motivation, community of inquiry, self-regulated learning, and social identity—my analysis of surveys and interviews identified common themes in the Chinese experience of Western MOOCs. In accordance with the results of my analysis, and also in line with interaction equivalency and situational principles, this study provided suggestions for adapting MOOCs to Chinese learners, such as enhancing content quality, improving learner–learner and learner–instructor interactions, providing social support, and collaborating with local universities and agencies in providing technical and credentialing support.

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The purpose of this study was to examine faculty reluctance to providing students with access to course resources via the Internet. The study explored known barriers to the use of technology and the Internet within educational settings and provided opportunity for new barriers to be presented. Personal and professional demographic factors were collected to determine if certain characteristics were identifiable as predictors to web enhancement. An online survey was designed to collect data to address research questions in the study. The survey consisted of 48 questions, including areas for comments and remarks from faculty members. One thousand two (1002) faculty, out of a possible 4,990 responded to the survey. Based on the results, conclusions have been drawn. Female faculty and faculty ranked as assistant, associate, or full professors were most likely to web enhance. Faculty who had taught for between 1 and 15 years at a four-year university, were also more likely to web enhance than other faculty. Faculty in the fields of biology, business administration, communications, computer science, education, English, nursing and psychology appeared most likely to web enhance their courses. Major barriers to enhancement include increased time commitment, concerns regarding faculty work load, lack of person-to-person contact, and difficulty keeping current with technological changes. Recommendations for removing some barriers included the need to recognize and reward innovation, provide incentives to enhance, and establish cultural change within institutions. Meaningful professional development training on enhancement techniques was also recommended, as well as providing release time for enhancement development. Contact standards on campus websites, providing a contact at each institution for research inquiries, and becoming more accessible to the public at large was also needed. Recommendations for further research included completing this study on an institutional basis, and studying the need for ôrevampingö the concept of ôoffice hoursö when used in connection with online courses. In addition, a qualitative study should be conducted on the pros and cons of web enhancement, as well as a time study comparison of students who complete a low level online course then take a higher level on-site course.

Mass Open Online Courses have been a phenomenon in education in the past few years. Although their popularity is globaly on the rise, it is not yet clear how sustainable MOOCs really are in the long run. Lack of academic texts and non- existing set of guidelines for the design and implementation of effective and successful MOOCs is one of today's problems. The aim of this paper is to create such criteria that can assess the MOOC quality and success, and subsequently assess current MOOC approach and effectivity as well as outline steps to increase their efficacy. In the paper, I present a novel analysis method of potential MOOC efficacy indicators. Then, based on created criteria, I define the importance of lector's active role in the course, the need for clear formulation and communication of rules, goals and expectations, and the significance of setting high course standards. At the end, I suggest ways of utilizing this thesis for further research.

O preparo e produção de material didático para cursos on-line demanda o trabalho de uma equipe multidisciplinar (com técnicos e especialistas de diferentes áreas) junto aos professores-autores. A organização e o processo de produção são complexos e específicos para cada projeto e instituição de ensino. Nesta pesquisa, o objetivo é analisar como ocorreu o processo colaborativo de produção de material didático no curso semipresencial de Licenciatura em Ciências da USP/UNIVESP (no período de 2013). Este estudo é definido como pesquisa qualitativa, identificada como estudo de caso. Para alcançar os objetivos previstos foi realizada coleta de dados documentais e entrevistas com profissionais que participaram do processo de criação. Para análise dos dados obtidos foi realizado inicialmente o levantamento de posicionamentos teóricos ligados aos principais termos que permeiam o estudo. Por meio de análise de conteúdo foram estabelecidas as relações entre a teoria estudada e os dados coletados. Ao final, conclui-se que, por se tratar de um trabalho em equipe, o conteúdo (texto) original precisa passar por alterações e adequações ao longo de todo o processo até se tornar material didático do curso (em seus diferentes formatos). Vale destacar que esse processo de produção é acompanhado, discutido e validado pelo professor em todas as suas etapas. Como em toda equipe multidisciplinar, a comunicação e as inter-relações entre os profissionais são constantes e significativas para o processo. É nesse contexto de trabalho em equipe (junto ao professorautor) que ocorrem momentos de cocriação didática, resultado de um trabalho colaborativo e de criação. Verificou-se que esse processo de atuação das equipes na produção de material didático tem momentos intercalados de trabalho individualizado e colaborativo. Apesar desse fluxo estar desenhado de forma linear, com etapas predefinidas, é nas inter-relações e trocas de conhecimentos, sugestões e adequações do conteúdo que ocorrem momentos de cocriação. Trata-se de um processo híbrido: linear e de cocriação. Linear em sua estrutura e forma de trabalho e de cocriação como parte natural das relações humanas e da produção coletiva de conhecimento. / The preparation and the production of didactic materials for on-line courses demand a multidisciplinary teamwork (technicians and specialists from different areas) along with teacherauthors. The organization and the process of production are complex and specific for each project and teaching institution. The objective of this research is to analyze how the collaborative process of the didactic material produced in the blended learning course of the Licentiate Degree in Science from USP/UNIVESP (conducted over a certain period of time. Qualitative approach has been adopted for this study, more specifically, a case study research. In order to accomplish our goals, we have conducted data collection by using review of documents as well as interviews with the professionals that participated in the creation process. For the purpose of analyzing the collected data, we have gathered diverse theoretical approaches related to the main topics of this study. By having the content analyzed, a relationship between the studied theory and the data collected has been established. In conclusion, due to the fact that it is the product of a teamwork, the original content (text) needs to go through some changes and adaptations during the whole process until the final version of the didactic material (in all its different formats) is completed. It is important to emphasize that every step during the process of production is attended, discussed and validated by the teacher-author. As in any multidisciplinary teamwork, the communication and the interrelationships are constant and meaningful to the process. It is in this context of teamwork (including the teacher-author) that the didactic co-creation occurs, being the result of collaborative and creation work. It has been verified that the groups worked in intercalated moments throughout the production of the material: as individuals or in collaboration. Despite the fact that there are predefined steps which are supposed to flow in a linear way, co-creation takes place during the interrelationships, the exchange of knowledge and suggestions and the adaptation of the content. It turns out to be a hybrid process: linear and co-creative. Linear in its structure and its way of working and co-creative as a natural part of human relationships and as a collective production of knowledge.