The influence of massive open online courses on youth job search behaviour: an explorative case study of Durban youths.

Abstract

This study attempts to merge South African job search behaviours with massive open online course (MOOC) literature in an attempt to discover what effects online certification can have on youth outlooks and job search behaviour. This dissertation begins with a literature review of each component, followed by a practical longitudinal study, comprising 15 unemployed youths from a local Durban area, over 16 weeks in a pre and post-study period. The attitudes and world outlooks of these youths is assessed through interview data, with suggestions for local, regional and national programs in South Africa for utilising MOOCs as a tool for addressing youth unemployment and achieving the human capital development necessary for taking advantage of the country’s demographic dividend.