Exploring Teaching Experiences in Technology and Engineering MOOCs with High Enrollments in Medium-Sized Public Universities

The study aimed to explore the teaching experiences in popular MOOCs. The two teachers, whose courses were most popular with the largest number of students in a platform of MOOCs—ShareCourse, were selected for exploring their teaching experiences. The interview data based on teaching experiences was coded into three themes and nine sub-themes, including: (a) teachers’ teaching experiences of problems and challenges in MOOCs, with the sub-themes on challenges caused by student behaviors, course quality, and video production; (b) teachers’ teaching experiences of attracting students, with the sub-themes on delivery of effective information, leading students with different backgrounds, and preparing and teaching MOOCs; (c) teachers’ descriptions of personal reflections on teaching motivation and innovations, with sub-themes on recognition of course features, holding an altruistic attitude, and reflections on innovative instruction. According to these themes, the teaching experiences in MOOCs were explored. Finally, reflections, implications and suggestions were provided.