External motivation, the key to success in the MOOCs framework

Abstract

This paper aims at presenting the findings and sharing the experiences of a case study whose data were gathered from an experimental MOOC (massive open online course) platform. The content was designed with an end view of favoring media-based education, students' activities, and their interactive communication. The main advantage of the devised system is that students were able to learn using their mother tongue, Hungarian. This research involved 208 students, enabling the authors to test the following variables by applying statistical methods: residence (country), sex, occupation, age, external (offline) motivation, amount of time spent in front of the computer, length of time in the LMS (learning management system) and achievements during a specific course. Statistical analysis revealed correlations between numerous factors, which may later serve as a solid ground for further studies in this field.