Role of Prior Experience with Online Teaching and Learning in the Prediction of MOOC Readiness

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are online educational courses that provide learning opportunities without geographical, temporal, or enrollment limitations. However, the adoption of MOOCs in Omani higher education is still in its early stages. Therefore, this study aims to assess how attitudes, self-efficacy, experience with online teaching, administrative and colleague support predict MOOC readiness, and determine the extent of varied instructor attitudes and experience regarding MOOC readiness and self-efficacy. A survey of 130 respondents concluded that attitude and experience with online teaching predicted only 34.5% MOOC readiness, and other factors such as self-efficacy, administrative support, and colleague support were found not to influence readiness. Additionally, those with MOOC learning experience showed significantly higher readiness, and better attitude and self-efficacy. Faculty members with experience designing MOOCs had higher self-efficacy in their abilities, while their readiness and attitude were similar to those without this experience. Hence, these findings indicate a need for further professional development programmes and more exposure to MOOCs as a student to further spur the Omani MOOCs movement.