Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to portray the current situation of massive open online course (MOOC) structures and operations, and determine the opinions of educational experts in the field of distance education regarding the contribution of MOOCs to lifelong learning and the knowledge economy. The research, modeled as a qualitative case study, with participants selected using criterion sampling thus the participants comprised of experts whom have been a part of the design process of MOOCs and have academic publications regarding MOOCs. During the data gathering process, a document analysis covering 11 predetermined MOOC providers was conducted. The results of this analysis were combined with 5 items to establish a data gathering tool, utilized to conduct semi structured interviews with distance education experts. The data gathered from these interviews were subjected to content analysis. The results are indicative, from the perspective of the document analysis conducted, based on 7 evaluation criteria determined to portray the current situation of MOOCs. In addition, the opinions of distance education experts regarding the contribution of MOOCs to life long learning and the knowledge economy, and making MOOCs more attractive, have been provided with direct quotations and through themes and sub themes. Various recommendations have been made for researchers based on relevant research findings

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