International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 20, No. 2 (2024)

Students’ Perceptions of Using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Higher Learning Institutions

Abdalla A Shaame, The State University of Zanzibar
Tabu S Kondo, The University Of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania

Abstract
The massive investment by Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in ICT is evidence that institutions are recognizing technology’s potential in their operations. However, the phenomenon of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Tanzanian HLIs is not well investigated by researchers. The aim of this study, therefore, is to investigate the perception of students in using MOOCs to flip classrooms in HLIs. The study employed a quantitative methods design administered by questionnaire. The study involved 111 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) and the University of Dodoma (UDOM). The study findings indicate that 76% of the respondents agreed that there are many benefits of using the MOOCs learning strategy in HLIs. The study findings also revealed that 82% of the respondents agreed that use of the MOOCs learning strategy in HLIS affects students’ performance. Hence, the study reported that 82% of the respondents confirmed that a low level of Internet access is a challenge for students and instructors to adopt MOOCs learning strategies. The study concluded that use of the MOOCs learning strategy has many benefits to HLIs and is an effective means to provide quality teaching and learning. The contribution of the study is that the HLIs should adopt MOOCs learning strategy to enable student learning in a variety of courses from different institutions and become culturally competent.

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