A Model for MOOC Implementation in Areas of Low Bandwidth in Developing Countries

Abstract

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) could have been leveraged to bridge the education accessibility inequality gap in many developing countries, however many of the MOOCs platforms are developed to work in areas with good internet connections and high bandwidth leaving many rural areas excluded. The goal of this study was to develop a MOOCs model for areas with low bandwidth in developing countries. Literature search of technology implementation factors was carried out from which a conceptual model was designed. Using design science approach, the conceptual model was based on to developed an artifact of MOOCs platform that could be used in areas of low bandwidth. The artifact was evaluated using data collected from learners of tertiary institutions in South Africa. Results indicated that the developed artifact is suitable for use in areas of low bandwidth and that the model is a good guideline to the implementation of MOOCs platforms.