Exploring Experiences, Challenges, and Preferences of University Students in Pursuing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): A Descriptive Survey

Education in India has undergone significant transformation with technological advancements over time. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) were one of those ingenuities aimed at imparting education to several students who were unable to continue their education due to various geographical and socio-economic factors. Since they are affordable, flexible, and easily accessible, MOOCs have become a disruptive force in Education. The National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) emphasizes gaining education through Online courses, with a target of achieving a 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education by 2035, supported by Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) presented by Study Web SWAYAM.The present study aims to provide important insights into the perceptions, experiences, and challenges faced by students of the Central University of Jammu enrolled in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). To gather the information required to achieve the predetermined objectives, the researchers developed a Likert-type scale and a semi-structured questionnaire. The study's target population consists of students from the Central University of Jammu who have taken or completed Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The majority (94%) reported having a good MOOC experience. According to this, MOOCs frequently succeed in meeting the demands of students, most likely due to their flexibility, accessibility, and ability to develop skills, qualities that were affirmed by 82% of participants who believed they were superior to traditional teaching methods. Nevertheless, despite the high levels of enjoyment, some challenges remain observable. A remarkable paradox emerged when it came to submitting assignments: 98% of students reported difficulty meeting deadlines, despite 84% of them considering themselves digitally competent.