Usability of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Malaysian Undergraduates’ Perspective

Abstract

Nowadays, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have gained popularity in a blended learning approach at educational institutions around the world.  Despite this,  little research exists on the students’ experiences and emerging challenges with the implementation of this online learning platform in higher education settings, particularly from the Malaysian perspective. In line with this need, this study was conducted to evaluate the usability of  MOOC-Open Learning based on the undergraduate students’ perception. Utilizing the quantitative approach, a survey was disseminated through the online approach to students undertaking various undergraduate programs in a public university, namely Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The study findings revealed that there were generally moderate levels of positive perceptions among the respondents towards all usability aspects of MOOC-Open Learning in supporting their learning process, i.e. in terms of usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning, and satisfaction. As an implication, this study highlighted that respondents’ significant level of uncertainties towards the usability of MOOC -Open Learning and the emerging challenges may require further exploration. 

Keywords: usability,  usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning, satisfaction, MOOCs, UTHM, higher education, online learning