The application of MOOC for careers guidance of year 3 university students in Heilongjiang Province, China

Abstract

This mixed methods research compared Year 3 university students’ learning achievement before and after the use of MOOC and examined their attitude towards the use of MOOC in a Careers Guidance course in Heilongjiang Province, China. The sample group consisted of 30 students who enrolled in a Careers Guidance course in 2021 Academic Year. Quantitative data and qualitative data were collected applying four lesson plans, pretest, posttest, questionnaire, and focus group interview. The quantitative data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation as well as Paired Sample T-Test. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that after the use of MOOC, the students’ posttest score (x̅=52.20, SD=13.21) was higher than that of the pretest score (x̅=35.67, SD=14.04), resulting in the significant mean difference of 16.53 points. The data from the questionnaire revealed that the average mean score of all items was rated in a high level (x̅=3.44, SD=0.74). The students’ responses from focus group interview suggested that the students had positive attitude towards the use of MOOC in a Careers Guidance course. Therefore, the use of MOOC may be considered as a new effective way of teaching and learning a Careers Guidance course in the university in China