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Analysis of MOOC User Adoption Patterns Based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory

Author(s)

Yixin Zhu*, Zhiruo Zhang

Affiliation(s)

Shanghai Publishing and Printing College, Shanghai, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Research on the diffusion of smart education technologies is critical for enhancing their implementation in higher education contexts. As an innovation within smart education, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms have been extensively adopted and promoted across higher education institutions, enabling the global exchange and dissemination of educational resources. This study centers on MOOCs, employing the theoretical framework of technological innovation diffusion to investigate their diffusion trajectories and to systematically analyze the characteristics of MOOC adopters. The results indicate that from 2014 to 2024, the diffusion of MOOCs conformed to an S-curve model. In China, MOOC users are presently transitioning from the “early majority” phase to the “late majority” phase. During this diffusion process, the “early majority” and “late majority” groups constituted the largest proportions of adopters, with university faculty and students identified as the principal agents driving diffusion. In sum, smart education technologies have attained extensive adoption within the educational sector.

Keywords

Technology Diffusion; S-Curve; MOOC; Diffusion Characteristics

References

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