Faculty experience and digital platforms in education

Abstract

Abstract
Purpose – Digital platforms have enabled the emergence of new business models by transforming the
competitive scenario, labour, traditional management activities and strategies of the organisations regarding a
number of productive sectors. The objective of this study is to analyse these changes in the educational sector from
the view of professors who produce content in digital platforms, such as the massive open online courses (MOOCs).
Design/methodology/approach – In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Brazilian professors using
MOOC. The methodology proposed by Bardin (2011) and the board’s guidelines (2013) were used for content
analysis.
Findings – Positive aspects such as autonomy, higher financial gains, geographic coverage, quality of life and
cheaper and quicker courses were identified in the present study, whereas negative aspects were disclosure and
sales performed by faculty members, problems with technical support, demand for new skills (e.g. digital
marketing), new teaching methods and opportunities perceived by the professors.
Research limitations/implications – The results found cannot be generalised to different publics and
contexts.
Originality/value – The results contribute to a better understanding of the new business models on digital
platforms as they show evidence of how these techniques are contributing to digital transformation of
traditional sectors. This model can be used to connect professors who produce content to those who want to
learn as well as to enable remote operations in educational institutions. Additionally, managers, CEOs and
entrepreneurs of the sector can use MOOC as a reference when formulating their strategies.