Understanding high dropout rates in MOOCs – a qualitative case study from Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) are a form of online learning that has become increasingly popular across the globe, yet they often suffer from low completion rates. This study aims to advance understanding of the Dropout Phenomenon in MOOCs through a qualitative case study conducted in Pakistan. The purpose of this research is to understand why learners drop out of MOOCs by identifying the factors that influence the decision of learners. Semi-structured interviews with MOOC participants were conducted and analysed who had enrolled in two MOOCs that had a high dropout rate. The responses from the interviews were categorised under three overarching themes: lack of motivation, perception of course content, and inability to manage time. Within those themes, several factors that affect course dropout rates were identified, including perceived rewards, difficulties in comprehension, academic and family commitments, and duration of the course.

KEYWORDS:

• Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
• educational technology
• dropout
• learner motivation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kaukab Abid Azhar

Kaukab Abid Azhar is a PhD scholar at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). His current research focuses on exploring the various dimensions of influencer marketing. Kaukab aims to develop innovative ways of using technology to improve classroom teaching in higher education institutions.

Nayab Iqbal

Nayab Iqbal is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her research focuses on identity construction on social media. Besides, she has been actively involved in teaching and research projects related to linguistics and gender studies. She has published several papers on educational technology and is currently exploring ways to use technology to enhance student learning experiences in higher education institutions.

Zubair Shah

Zubair Shah holds a PhD degree in Business Management from PAF Kiet Pakistan. He works as an Assistant Professor at Salim Habib University, Pakistan. His research focuses on organisational leadership and strategic management.

Hassaan Ahmed

Hassaan Ahmed has a PhD degree in Public Administration from the University of Karachi. He works as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Business Administration, at Salim Habib University. He teaches courses related to digital marketing, business analytics, and customer relationship management.