Analyzing Completion Rates in the First French xMOOC
Résumé
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have spread incredibly fast since the foundation
of Coursera and edX in 2012, initiating a worldwide debate over the place of online
learning in educational systems. Their low completion rates have repeatedly been
criticized over the past two years, forcing researchers to take a closer look at their
complex dynamics. Introduction to Project Management is the first French xMOOC;
it was organized on Canvas.net in early 2013. Two certificates involving significantly
different workloads were proposed to address the various expectations and constraints
of MOOC participants. We show that learners’ personal aims and achievements
are highly dependent upon their employment status, geographical origin and time
constraints. Furthermore, the use of forums and involvement in peer-assessment
are significantly associated with the level of achievement at the scale of the MOOC.
Learners who interact on the forums and assess peer assignments are more likely to
complete the course.MO