The Clustered Patterns of Engagement in MOOCs and Their Effects on Teaching Presence and Learning Persistence

The goal of this research was to understand the patterns of multidimensional engagement in MOOCs. An email with an online survey link was sent to enrollees in an MOOC course. The survey included 35 questions asking about engagement, teaching presence, and learning persistence. The items were validated in the literature, revised for the MOOC setting, reviewed by four professionals in the field of educational technology, and used in the study. A heterogeneous group of 170 individuals gathered through convenience sampling participated in the study. With cluster analysis of the engagement data, three groups were identified: Cluster1, 2, and 3. Cluster 1 scored high on behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. Cluster 2 scored high on behavioral aspects but low on emotional and cognitive engagement. Cluster 3 scored low on behavioral and cognitive engagement but high on emotional aspects. The study addressed cluster-specific learner characteristics and differences in perceived teaching presence and learning persistence. Design strategies pertaining to each cluster were further discussed. These strategies may guide instructors and practitioners in the design and management of MOOCs and should be further validated through future studies.