Messy Realities: Investigating Learners' Experiences in MOOCs

What do we know about learners' experiences in MOOCs? While surveys and big data yield insights into general behavioral patterns, these detached methods can distance us rather than help us understand the human condition. As a result, the phenomenon of "learning in a MOOC" is understudied and undiscovered. In this session, presenters will share their findings from two small-scale qualitative investigations of MOOC learners' experiences. Attendees will discuss findings from the investigations and generate research questions and methods that advance understanding of MOOC learners' experiences.

OUTCOMES: Learn about early findings on MOOC learners' experiences * Understand design and teaching goals for addressing issues surfaced in investigations of MOOC learners' experiences * Discuss research approaches that advance understanding of learners' experiences