Moody MOOCs: An Exploration of Emotion in an LMOOC
Elaine Beirne [elaine.beirne@dcu.ie], Conchúr MacLochlainn [conchur.maclochlainn@dcu.ie], Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl [mairead.nicgiollamhichil@dcu.ie], Dublin City University, Ireland
Best Research Paper Award Winner
Abstract
This paper reports on the emotions experienced by participants of a language learning MOOC or LMOOC. It has been previously shown that emotions play a key role in the learning process. Therefore, identifying and understanding the emotions experienced in new learning environments, such as LMOOCs, is of particular importance. This study was conducted during the first iteration of the Irish language and culture MOOC, Irish 101, which is delivered through the FutureLearn platform. An analysis of both self-report data and in-course learner comments is conducted to identify the emotions experienced during various content steps in the LMOOC. We found that positive emotions, such as curiosity, excitement and pride, were reported most strongly by participants throughout the course. However, certain sections of content evoked comparatively stronger instances of negative emotion such as frustration and confusion. Examples of how these emotions manifested in the discussion posts are also presented. This paper concludes by discussing the potential of emotion research for informing LMOOC design.
Abstract in Irish
Tuairiscítear sa pháipéar seo na mothúcháin a bhraith daoine a bhí rannpháirteach i MOOC foghlama teanga nó LMOOC. Tá sé léirithe go bhfuil baint mhór ag mothúcháin leis an bpróiseas foghlama. Tá tábhacht mhór dá bhrí sin leis na mothúcháin a bhraitear i dtimpeallachtaí nua foghlama, mar LMOOCanna, a aithint agus a thuiscint. Le linn na chéad chuid den MOOC Gaeilge agus Cultúir, Gaeilge 101, a cuireadh ar fáil ar an ardán Future Learn a tugadh faoin staidéar seo. Tugtar faoi anailís ar shonraí a thuairiscíonn na rannpháirtithe féin agus tuairimíocht an fhoghlaimeora le linn an chúrsa d’fhonn na mothúcháin a bhraitear le linn na gcéimeanna éagsúla ábhair i LMOOC a aithint. Fuaireamar amach gur mothúcháin dhearfacha, mar fiosracht, ríméad agus bród na mothúcháin ba mhó a thuairisc rannpháirtithe le linn an chúrsa. Spreag míreanna áirithe ábhair mothúcháin láidre dhiúltacha inchomparáide, áfach, mar frustrachas agus mearbhall. Tá samplaí tugtha freisin de na bealaí ar cuireadh na mothúcháin seo in iúl sna postálacha plé. Ag deireadh an pháipéir seo déantar plé ar an bpoitéinseal a bhainfeadh le taighde ar mhothúcháin chun leagan amach LMOOC a chur ar an eolas.
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