Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Mac Lochlainn C.;Nic Giolla Mhichíl M.;Beirne E.;Brown M.
2020
January
Distance Education
The soul behind the screen: understanding cultural enrichment as a motivation of informal MOOC learning
Published
1 ()
Optional Fields
massive open online course online language learning qualitative case study social justice
© 2020, © 2020 Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia, Inc. This article explores the role of culture and the concept of openness as they relate to learning using a massive open online course which teaches the Irish language and Irish culture to learners around the world. It explores how best to describe the meaning of such learning, and the social, material, and relational tensions that exist in such provision. Using a qualitative case study design, we analyzed a collection of 3507 learner comments placed on key reflective steps throughout the course. From the analysis of learner experiences, motivations, and opinions, we identified five major themes. We then examined the role of inequality, social justice, and lifelong learning in light of the themes. The article concludes with recommendations for further research, in addition to reflections on the value of small-scale case studies to explore the diversity inherent in MOOC provision.
0158-7919
10.1080/01587919.2020.1757408
Grant Details