Reasoning the implementation of Massive Open Online Courses in higher education institutions

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Atviros prieigos dideli interaktyvūs kursai; Aukštasis mokslas; Aukštojo mokslo studijos; Lietuvos aukštosios mokyklos; Masiniai atviri internetiniai kursai; Nuotolinis mokymas; Nuotolinis ugdymas; Distance education; Higher education; Lithuanian HEIs; Lithuanian higher education institutions; Massive Open Online Courses.

ENFirst Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) was provided in 2013 by Kaunas University of Technology, since then few more institutions joined this initiative. The interest in MOOCs have been growing among Lithuanian higher education institutions, however the number of new MOOCs are not growing significantly. New initiatives are influenced by various factors, however it is important to examine the most relevant factors influencing decision to develop and provide MOOCs in order to develop measures for encouraging innovative learning methods in Lithuanian higher education. The aim of this article is to identify the main objectives that are important for higher education institutions (HEIs) when deciding to implement MOOCs in the institution. Authors of the article conducted the survey with representatives from 17 Lithuanian higher education (HE) institutions. The study shows that the most important objective of MOOCs implementation for Lithuanian HEIs is flexible learning opportunities. Results also represent that far Lithuanian HEIs do not acknowledge MOOCs as business opportunity, for them MOOCs are the innovation area and the opportunity to fulfil demands of wider range of learners. [From the publication]