Navigating the digital classroom

A qualitative content analysis of Mooc discourses in Indian e-newspapers

Bibliographic Data

ID8246123
AuthorsRahul Rajan Lexman (0000-0001-7886-6558), Gopinath Krishnan, Gokulram Krishnan (0000-0001-8557-0587), Rupashree Baral (0000-0002-7258-0476), Sabrina Lynette Thomas (0000-0003-1427-7775), Shameem Cina Thomas
Year2024
Volume22
Issue4
Pages494-516
Publication date2024-11-22
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Information Communication and Ethics in Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1758-8871 • E-ISSN: 1477-996X
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jices-03-2023-0027
OpenAlexW4404423261
LanguageEN
References cited29

Purpose This paper aims to explore and unravel the contents portrayed in online news discourses on massive open online courses (MOOCs). Considering sociological dimensions and journalistic strategies, this study examines how online news media reflects, shapes and informs narratives about the social acceptance and use of the MOOC model of learning. Design/methodology/approach Using the Gioia methodology as the overarching framework, this study adopted a two-staged qualitative content analysis of 1,162 online news items from the websites of the top seven online English newspapers of India, published between May 2012 and September 2023. In subsequent semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts, broad themes were identified. In addition, this study integrated Van Dijk’s ideological square model with media content theories to comprehensively analyze the intricate complexities in media depictions of MOOCs. Findings While manifest content analysis revealed the emergence of 25 categories, latent content analysis unveiled six broad themes: “announcements, user stages, characteristics, benefits, changing facets, and educational inequalities,” which are associated with the MOOC model. Application of Van Dijk’s model evidenced the usage of a positive self-representation strategy by Indian online news media until mid-2020. The application of media content theories underscored the predominant usage of reframing as a journalistic strategy to maintain reader interest in MOOC-related content in online news items, emphasizing the dynamic nature of media portrayals of social phenomena such as MOOCs. Practical implications The depth of MOOC-related coverage and the increasing number of news articles discussing MOOCs in Indian online media signify a growing acceptance of this educational innovation in society. Insights from emergent themes can aid administrators and platforms to effectively design and deliver future courses. In addition, understanding these themes can guide the development of media strategies to address contextual issues such as educational inequalities arising from MOOCs. This study also focuses on the necessity of upholding journalistic ethics in content dissemination. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of various themes and journalistic strategies adopted by online news media over the last decade in MOOC-based narratives in India. Given the distinctive Indian context, wherein MOOCs are growing rapidly amid widening digital inequalities, this research addresses calls within information systems literature to explore this phenomenon. It pioneers the integration of communication and mass media theories to analyze the complex sociological dynamics in news discourses on MOOCs, offering a novel perspective on the intersection of media representation and educational innovation

Advertising · Business · Content analysis · Digital media · Media studies · Multimedia · Newspaper · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Online and Blended Learning · Online Learning and Analytics · Technology-Enhanced Education Studies

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