The Changes in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) Studies between 2012 and 2017- A Review of Literature

Abstract

In recent decades, the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has changed according to the different goals
and studies that have been applied. Therefore, it is very important to explore and examine these changes and identify
the development of use and conception of MOOCs. This research is considered empirical in nature and focuses on
studies published between 2012 and 2017. The current study is conducted on three scientific databases to collect
those studies that matched the research method and achieved its goal. Nine hundred seventy-nine studies were
considered, and 37 studies have been selected for this study and will be analyzed based on study design and other
variables. The collected studies utilized the qualitative method, quantitative method, and mixed-method approaches.
These studies were analyzed through the use of MOOCs according to students’ views, instructors’ views, and
students’ and instructors’ views. The results showed a different understanding of MOOCs between the students’
views, instructors’ views, and students’ and instructors’ views. Recommendations and future research opportunities
are also discussed.