Exploring Learner’s Readiness for MOOCs in Indian Higher Education: A Case Study

Abstract

education landscape, providing unheard-of learning opportunities to a broad audience. To best integrate digital learning resources, it is essential to conduct research on comprehensive understanding the levels of readiness for MOOCs among students in India, a nation with a burgeoning higher education market, is crucial as the popularity of MOOCs rises.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the readiness levels of higher education learners for MOOCs in India. Additionally, it aimed to explore how socio-communication skills, technical proficiency, self-confidence, and self-directed learning influence students' readiness for MOOCs in the context of higher education. It also sought to analyze differences in learners' readiness for MOOCs concerning factors such as gender, place of residence, family type, prior online course experience, age, and education level.

Methods: A descriptive survey method was used to carry out the study.  In the present study a sample of 200 graduate learners was selected using a simple random sampling technique. The study was limited only to the learner’s pursuing courses at Tezpur University, Assam.

Results: The study's results indicate that learners have a high level of readiness for MOOCs, and its evident socio-communication competency, technical competency, self-efficacy and self-directedness all exert a clear influence on their readiness. Furthermore, the study found no significant differences in learners' readiness for MOOCs based on gender, place of residence, type of family, prior experience with online courses, age or education level.

Conclusion: This research is essential for tailoring MOOC offerings to Indian students' varied needs and abilities, ensuring equal access to education. It also has a significant impact on identifying and eliminating potential obstacles to MOOC adoption, which ultimately encourages more efficient and inclusive online learning. The outcomes of such research also enable institutions to make knowledgeable choices regarding the distribution of resources and the provision of student support services, ultimately raising the standard and accessibility of higher education in India.