Towards improving learning experiences in self-paced online learning courses

One of the key goals higher education institutions (HEIs) is student career success. In HEIs, students are given necessary subject-specific information, skills, and experience to achieve this. South Africa, which has historically been one technological leaders in there currently insufficient Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) specialists graduating from meet rising need for a skilled workforce those fields. The completion rate supplementary online courses expand this 4IR skills base also major concern. paper, we report on strategy implemented improve course self-selected sample who attended face-to-face Data Science introduction workshops Eastern Cape province Africa. We achieved 76% two MOOCs these workshops. examined contribution participant’s personal factors background contextual factors. listed any other suggested by students, collectively contribute learning construct social cognitive theory (SCCT) serve as practical means improving exposure outcome expectations. Therefore, paper shows mechanism can be used offer programmes, raise students' self-efficacy expectations fields such Science. addition, inputs utilized increase interest majoring courses.