Communications of the ACM
Half of Mooc sers in Developing Countries Get Certificates
The use of massive open online course technology in emerging countries is very different from how it is used in the U.S.
Credit: mycriminaljusticecareers.com
A survey of 1,400 massive open online course (MOOC) users and 2,250 non-users from ages 18 to 35 in Colombia, the Philippines, and South Africa found the use of the technology is much different in emerging countries than in the U.S.
In some ways, the use of MOOCs in emerging countries is more in line with what the original proponents had in mind, according to researchers at the University of Washington.
Nearly half of those who had taken a MOOC had received certification in at least one course, and the rate was higher--70%--for those who were employed. Compared to the U.S., more MOOC users in the developing countries indicated they did not have a college education, suggesting they were using the courses to advance their careers or education.
"Many people assumed that in developing countries, MOOCs would only be used by the rich and well-educated," says Maria Garrido with the University of Washington's Technology and Social Change Group.
The top reasons for taking MOOCs were to gain skills to perform their jobs better, prepare for additional education, and obtain professional certification. In more economically advanced countries, 66% use MOOCs for personal fulfillment, according to a recent study of Coursera users.
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