Working Paper Series

Abstract: The aim of the research presented here is to understand and evaluate the impacts of MOOCs (massive open online courses) on associate degree students? academic English learning at Hong Kong Community College of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Using Song & Hill?s (2007) self-directed learning model as a conceptual framework of this research, the work in progress project is aiming to analyse the influences of personal attributes, process attributes and learning context in MOOCs learning. As a preparation course for undergraduate degree studies, ?English for Academic Studies? is compulsory for all the year one students at HKCC. Through a 2-semester observational study, the researcher has found that she has encountered resistance and low attendance rate when she used examples and sample essays from textbooks. On the other hand, when she adopted tailored MOOCs (Massive Open Online courses) materials in and outside classroom, unexpected popularity was perceived. The preliminary finding of this research has shown that tailored MOOCs materials are extremely helpful for students who are using English as a second language; nevertheless, the role of classroom teachers cannot be neglected as appropriate guidance is desired from students. The research findings validate Song & Hill?s (2007) self-directed learning model.