A SUGGESTIVE STUDY TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES OF YOUNG WORKING PROFESSIONALS IN CONNECTIVISM MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE PROGRAMS (CMOOCS)

Abstract

Purpose- This study aims to study the challenges learners encounters while perusing cMOOCs’ so as to identify the indicators of online engagement for the cMOOCs’ opted by the working professionals. Initially, authors arrived an understanding of learner’s sentiments to frame the challenges they face while learning cMOOC and to draw broader theme to address the challenges. Authors adopted qualitative research approach, where 66 in depth learners’ interviews were conducted. Sentiment analysis and thematic analysis using Power BI and NVivo were conducted to attain the research objectives. Sentiment analysis suggested that young learners have positive sentiment towards online learning and find it easy to access and useful. Also, the extracted indicators through thematic analysis reflect the influence on learning engagement. Few dimensions of behavioral and social engagement were the major indicators where learners encounter issues pertaining to e-engagement. This study has major implications for all marketers and policymakers to design cMOOC accelerating e-engagement especially among working professionals.