MOOC discussion forums: The interplay of the cognitive and the social. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galikyan, Irena; Admiraal, Wilfried; Kester, Liesbeth
• Is Part Of: Computers & education. Volume 165(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: MOOC discussion forums -- Content analysis -- Interplay of cognitive and social aspects -- Course performance; Education -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Computers -- Periodicals; Computer-Assisted Instruction -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 370.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-1315

Abstract

Abstract: Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms capture the digital traces of millions of learners and generate an avalanche of "numbers" on learner behavior in MOOCs. Yet little is known about the dynamics through which MOOCs can support individual learning as the cognitive and social constituents of this complex process and their interplay within this process do not clearly surface in this large mass of "numbers". This study analyzed the content generated by learners in a MOOC discussion forum with a particular focus on the still under-explored cognitive dimension of learning in MOOCs and demonstrated how certain levels of cognitive engagement relate to learning. It further examined the interplay between the cognitive and social aspects, revealing the moderating role of the social aspect in the association between the lowest level of cognitive engagement and learning in a MOOC environment. The study concludes with discussing the theoretical and practical implications of the findings and with highlighting the need to consider the interdependencies between the cognitive and social variables and learning when designing and evaluating MOOCs. Highlights: Forum posts reflect the level of cognitive engagement in content and have a complex relationship with performance in a MOOC. Lowest level of cognitive engagement in MOOC forums has a significant negative association with MOOC performance. The social aspect of MOOC forums moderates the relationship between the lowest level of cognitive engagement and learning. Analysis of the interplay of cognitive and social aspects of forums enhances understanding of how MOOCs support learning.