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Instructional design, facilitation, and perceived learning outcomes: an exploratory case study of a human trafficking MOOC for attitudinal change

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Abstract

This exploratory case study describes the design and facilitation of a massive open online course (MOOC) for attitudinal change regarding human trafficking. It examines the course from the learners’, instructor’s, and instructional designer’s perspectives. Two interviews with the instructor and instructional designer were conducted, and data from a sample of learners via an end-of-course survey (n = 54) and follow-up questionnaire (n = 319) were gathered. Learners’ discussion posts and sample assignments were also reviewed. Findings show that the instructor and instructional designer perceived the design and facilitation of the MOOC as highly complex and challenging. Learner feedback was contradictory, possibly due to different expectations and needs within the MOOC. Six instructional design considerations for MOOCs in general and for attitudinal change are discussed, including: (a) MOOCs as a unique platform for attitudinal change, (b) the support needed from platform providers and universities, (c) personal and flexible learning paths, (d) instructional activities for attitudinal dissonance, (e) creating a collaborative community, and (f) MOOC instructor preparation.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Human Trafficking MOOC instructor and instructional designer for their help in providing access to the course and their participation in the study, as well as the students for their participation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Learning Design and Technology, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Sunnie Lee Watson, William R. Watson, Chad Mueller, Jieun Lim & Peggy A. Ertmer

  2. Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, Department of Agricultural Leadership, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA

    Jamie Loizzo

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  1. Sunnie Lee Watson
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  2. Jamie Loizzo
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Correspondence to Sunnie Lee Watson.

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Watson, S.L., Loizzo, J., Watson, W.R. et al. Instructional design, facilitation, and perceived learning outcomes: an exploratory case study of a human trafficking MOOC for attitudinal change. Education Tech Research Dev 64, 1273–1300 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-016-9457-2

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