On the Potential of Automated Downloads for MOOC Content on Mobile Devices

Mobile applications for MOOC platforms often can download learning material — namely videos — for later usage without the need for an Internet connection. As learners want to perform such data-intensive tasks with a WiFi connection, manual planning is required. By automating the download management, learners can be supported by always having video material available independent of the current Internet connection. This work examines the current download behavior shown in three MOOC courses. Hereby, influencing factors like the dependence on time and date, as well as the network state were analyzed. The results show that learners are already aware of data-intensive learning activities. They mostly download videos when connected to a WiFi network and consume pre-downloaded video content when using a cellular connection. An estimate of the potential for automated downloads using a simplified approach revealed the possibility of making an additional 19% of the video consumption network independent. The download behavior in the three courses examined differed noticeably so that automated downloads should be seen as an additional feature that can be activated per course.