Investigating Students' Interactions with Discussion Forums, Facebook, and Twitter in a MOOC and their Perceptions

Abstract

Given MOOCs being a relatively new format of online instruction, evidence-based research is needed to understand the role of MOOCs in changing the educational landscape, especially how students use the tools provided in MOOCs. This study investigated how students interacted with the discussion forum in a MOOC, and how they utilized Facebook and Twitter as an additional external space associated with this MOOC. Through both quantitative and qualitative data, the findings showed that MOOC participants found these tools to be helpful and can help create an active, collaborative, and participatory learning environment where they could share ideas and connect with other participants. The finding also indicated a poor interface design and low quality or low response to feedback can impact students' participation and perception of the usefulness of these tools. Results are discussed in the context.