The Initial State of Students Taking an Introductory Physics MOOC

TL;DR

This study examines student backgrounds and participation patterns in an introductory physics MOOC with labs, using surveys and assessments to understand initial states and engagement over five weeks.

Contribution

It provides new insights into student demographics, initial conceptual understanding, and early participation trends in a physics MOOC with laboratory components.

Findings

Student demographics vary widely.

Initial conceptual understanding is generally low.

Participation declines over the first five weeks.

Abstract

As part of a larger research project into massively open online courses (MOOCs), we have investigated student background, as well as student participation in a physics MOOC with a laboratory component. Students completed a demographic survey and the Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation at the beginning of the course. While the course is still actively running, we have tracked student participation over the first five weeks of the eleven-week course.