Where and what to improve? Design and application of a MOOC evaluation framework based on effective teaching practices

Abstract Given the varied quality of massive open online courses (MOOCs), it is necessary to construct a MOOC evaluation framework to guide teachers’ online teaching practices. Based on the Quality Matters online course evaluation framework and studies on effective online teaching practices, a MOOC evaluation framework was constructed through literature analysis and expert interviews. Finally, an evaluation framework with eight dimensions and 42 secondary indicators was constructed. To examine its validity, five MOOCs were evaluated with this framework. Results show that the evaluation framework is helpful for evaluating MOOCs and providing implications for online instructors. They revealed the common limitations of MOOCs: single method for knowledge introduction, traditional evaluation methods, insufficient attention to student initiative, and inadequate copyright concerns. Corresponding suggestions are provided to improve the quality of MOOCs. Theoretical and practical implications for the improvement of MOOCs are discussed along with avenues for further research.