Learning tourism and hospitality subjects with massive open online courses (MOOCs): A cross-sectional and longitudinal study

This study investigates the factors that affect learners' engagement in learning about tourism and hospitality subjects using massive open online courses (MOOCs). Study 1 recruited 361 participants and surveyed their self-determination to learn the subjects through MOOCs. The results of the structural equation model indicated that autonomy and competence significantly affect students' engagement. Study 2 adopted a longitudinal multilevel model to investigate the engagement of twelve participants during a 10-week MOOC. Their work status was included as a variable because MOOCs have attracted many in-service staff members as learners. The MLM results showed that time was a significant factor, whereas status was not.

Automated summary

The study found that autonomy and competence significantly affect students' engagement in learning about tourism and hospitality subjects through MOOCs, which have attracted many in-service staff members as learners. Time was identified as a significant factor, while work status did not have a significant impact on engagement.