On Performance of Online Courses (Case of Courses of English for Specific Purposes at the Medical University)

The introduction of information and communication technologies makes it possible to gain access to educational content for students around the world. Rapidly growing number of online courses attract a large number of students. At the same time, the low participant retention rate at such courses is noted (10-15% of students complete the course). This paper describes the experience of developing and implementing online courses in English for specific purposes for master’s degree students and undergraduates at the medical university, analyzes the performance of students enrolled in these courses, and possible reasons for the high retention rate at the courses for master’s degree students (95.5%) and high dropout rate amount undergraduates (13.4% of students completed the course). Courses for master’s degree students were included in the curriculum and were part of their major. The course for undergraduates was implemented as part of a minor; this course was not compulsory for students. Education for undergraduate students was free. All courses featured interactive elements (simulator, interactive lectures, Quizlet flashcards). Along with traditional multiple choice tests, students were offered creative tasks (essays), which were checked by teachers supporting the course. The article examines the factors that influence the motivation of students in online courses.