ABSTRACT
This chapter reports the MOOC development in mainland China with the aim to provide an overview of its current state of practice and research. First, the mainstream MOOC platforms are introduced in a chronological order. Second, in an attempt to depict a general picture of Chinese MOOC learners, the data generated in “English Teaching and Internet” MOOC developed by Dr. Jianli Jiao and his team were analyzed. This analysis indicated that the majority of MOOC learners were well educated. With regard to the MOOC research, the authors analyzed 147 peer-reviewed journal papers published between 2012 and 2017 from five dimensions; namely, (1) the research aim, (2) research paradigm, (3) data collection, (4) data analysis method, and (4) research types. Next, the challenges and best practices facing MOOCs in China are pointed out. Finally, the authors discuss the future direction of MOOC practice and research, suggesting that more attention should be paid to MOOC pedagogy and the influence of MOOCs on the status quo of higher education.
