Preparing the next generation of African Business professionals using CS programming MOOCs

The increased demand for Computer Science (CS) skills across most professions has necessitated providing CS training for post-secondary learners regardless of their fields of study. This is especially true in developing countries with high unemployment rates, where workers need to update their skills continuously to remain employable. Understanding the motivations of students who enroll in CS courses with limited prior training is critical for designing learning environments that help them achieve their desired goals. This paper studied the motivations of 2376 African students and working professionals enrolled in a smartphone-based programming MOOC. We found that the non-CS major participants wanted to learn programming to develop business applications, keep up with the demand for computing skills in their careers, and produce tools that positively impact their community. We also found that factors such as employment status and participants' motivations influenced students' persistence through the course. Our research contributes valuable insights for accessible and effective programming MOOC design for African professionals, especially for those without CS backgrounds.