Social Media as Communication and Learner Support Tool in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

Abstract

The massive open online courses (MOOCs), with its characteristics of being massive, accessible everywhere online, open to everyone, and free of charge, play an important role in bridging the gap between the teacher and the learners, giving more flexibility, access and equity in a learning environment. Recognizing the potential that MOOCS has to offer to a wider audience and trusting in its many years of experience in open and distance education, UPOU embarked in a learning innovation of designing and offering free online courses through the UPOU massive open online courses (MOOCs platform, MODeL, as part of the university’s mission to provide wider access to quality higher education. The learner support system plays an important role in making sure that students have ways to communicate with the MOOCs facilitators. UPOU MODeL provided different tools for students to discuss their MOOCs-related concerns through Facebook Group, MODeL LMS, and email. This study showed how social media (Learning Management
System (LMS), Facebook page, and Email) were used as communication and learner support tools to address various MOOCs-related inquiries. The results of the study showed that the questions asked through Facebook Group are preferable for Administrative-related matters. The study also revealed that the students preferred communicating through email for their inquiries related to Counseling and Tutorial Support.