Education lecturers’ perception and attitude towards massive open online courses.

Abstract

This study investigated the perception and attitude of education lecturers towards Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in institutions of higher learning within Niger State, Nigeria. The influence of gender was also examined. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and 138 participants were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Four research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study, and a 14- item questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was subjected to both validation and reliability checks. Data gathered from the administration of the instrument were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation and t-test statistics. A decision rule was set, in which, a mean score of 3.0 and above was considered Agreed (positive perception/attitude) while a mean score below 3.0 was considered Disagreed (negative perception/attitude). Findings revealed that lecturers’ perception and attitude towards massive open online courses were positive with cumulative mean scores of 4.07 and 4.03 out of possible 5.0. Also, gender as a moderating variable, had influence on lecturers’ perception and attitude towards MOOCs. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that education lecturers should be encouraged to participate in MOOCs in order to update their knowledge and skills. This can be achieved through the provision of enabling work environment such as internet wi-fi and learning tools that support synchronous and asynchronous online learning and by recognizing relevant certificates obtained through MOOCs during staff promotion exercise.