Understanding learners' intension toward massive open online courses

Abstract

Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) by Davis <i>et al.</i>, this research proposes an acceptance model for studying the learner adoption of massive open online courses (MOOCs) where the factors of trust and perceived playfulness are amended. A total of 212 valid samples were collected in China. The results indicate that trust and perceived usefulness are key factors that determine learners’ intention of attending MOOCs; perceived playfulness also affects learners’ perceived usefulness and trust toward MOOCs. Furthermore, recommendations for the development, implementation and research of MOOCs are provided based on the findings.