How Behaviorism Can Help Provide Insight into MOOCs in the Chinese Education Market

Abstract

In recent years, online education has grown rapidly and expanded globally. As an undergraduate student, the author took part in massive open online courses (MOOCs) as an elective. While enjoying the convenience of high-tech distance education, the author also became aware of its shortcomings. For instance, when students are confused about a certain topic, they are unable to clarify with their instructors in real time since most of the time, recorded instructional videos are used. Students also tend to listen passively during lessons, indicating that they may not absorb information or “positively reinforce” what they know or have learned. When discussing the characteristics of MOOCs, the author hopes to demonstrate how online education may influence traditional teaching and serves as an excellent complement to conventional classrooms.