Factors affecting the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from Learners’ perspectives in Saudi Arabia: A Case Study on the Students of King Saud University

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the use of Massive Open Online Courses )MOOCs(. The researcher investigated King Saud University students’ opinions on the most important factors affecting the use of MOOCs from their point of view. The study sample consisted of 382 students who were purposely selected. The study found that there are five factors affecting learners from having benefits from MOOCs: 1. Compatibility: this had the greatest impact among other factors, with a correlation coefficient of 0.810; 2. learner's personal characteristics, with a correlation coefficient of 0.805; 3.the extent of the individual competence in the use of computers and technology, with a correlation coefficient of 0.789; 4. the perceived benefit of using MOOCs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.765; and 5. the ease of using MOOCs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.698. In light of these findings, the researcher recommends the following: • The necessity of taking into consideration the factors affecting the use of MOOCs • Restructuring curricula and courses to fit with courses of MOOCs. • Considering students' needs and the requirements of the labor market when planning for courses of MOOCs.