Abstract:

The MOOC and SPOC course “Introduction to Computer Networks” was the first time to be offered in both Taiwan and China synchronously. It attracted more than twenty thousand learners to register in total. This course between Taiwan and China had the same curriculum design, materials, and instructor, etc; however, it was learned by learners of diverse backgrounds and delivered through two different platforms, ShareCourse as well as xuetangX. The purpose of this research is to examine three elements of learning engagement, including behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement and emotional engagement. To assess the MOOCs and SPOCs learners’ engagement and perception toward the course, we initiated an investigation by means of learning engagement questionnaire and learner satisfaction survey. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a total of 744 active learners. We compared the extent of learners’ engagement in Taiwan with those in China. Moreover, the learners’ demographic data, course completion rates and satisfaction were analyzed to interpret learners’ MOOCs experiences in the Oriental Chinese society contexts.

Keywords:

MOOCs, SPOCs, engagement, perception.