Intellectual output 2: Training program for educators on MOOCs (re)design & delivery

Purpose of the training program

The MODE IT training program aimed to enable HEI teachers to develop and deliver MOOCs as well as to integrate MOOCs into formal curricula in a didactically sound manner. With this training, teaching staff in Europe and beyond received an unique opportunity to grow towards a MOOC designer.

Structure of the training program

The training program consisted of 5 stand-alone modules covering different aspects of MOOCs. The production of each module was led by a designated MODE IT partner institution who had the appropriate expertise in that specific field, as follows:

• Module 1: Foundation of online learning (lead KTU)
• Module 2: MOOC Course Design (lead AU)
• Module 3: MOOC Content Production (lead UPT)
• Module 4: MOOC delivery (lead IPP)
• Module 5: MOOC in formal learning (lead FHM).

Features of the training program

The program itself was designed as a MOOC in English language and embedded in LMS Moodle of the partner KTU. Hence, the delivery strategy of the program also contributed to a better understanding of how a MOOC was designed and delivered.

Each module had a workload of approx. 12 hours and was expected to be completed during 2 weeks. Each module consisted of several short learning videos, supplementary learning materials (usually written texts enriched with links to further sources), quizzes for self-assessment, and assignment task, which was supposed to be evaluated by peers.

For those who were interested in completing the entire training, the final project work was envisaged, too. Hereby participants could create their small-scale MOOC, based on the skills and competences obtained from the training.

Links between the MODE IT self-assessment tool and training program

The contents of the training program were closely linked to the competences listed in the MODE IT online self-assessment tool (Intellectual Output 1 of the project). This meant in practice, teachers, based on the self-assessment results, were recommended to either take separate modules of the training, or to complete the entire program in order to improve concrete skills and competences.

User Guide for training program participants

To give you a more detailed overview of the structure and the contents of the MODE IT training program, we created a special USER GUIDE available in English. Get a look into this and discover all the opportunities!

Pilot implementation of the MODE IT training program

On May 24, 2021, the Training Program for teachers on MOOC (re)design and delivery was launched. 104 pilot teachers from the participating MODE IT institutions have registered for the training. Though, 52 of them were active users.

The pilot testing of the program run until the end of October 2021. At the end, 16 teachers (completion rate of 31%) successfully completed the training and received their Certificates of Completion.

Now we are proud to release the MODE IT MOOC for teachers to wider academic audience in Europe and beyond. You have 2 options to proceed with the MOOC:

OPTION 1: via LMS Moodle of partner Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)

To benefit from the training at KTU Moodle, you need to complete the self-registration at LMS Moodle of KTU and enrol yourself to the training. The registration at KTU Moodle is completely free of charge and takes a few minutes.

Should you already have tested the MODE IT Online self-assessment tool: no further registartion on Moodle is needed. Both outputs are integrated in the same online environment to facilitate a better navigation through our outputs. The completion of the self-assessment tool is not mandatory (though, advisable) in order to proceed with the training program.

If you go for the OPTION 1, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the full contents of the training like our pilot teachers did.

You can learn anytime and from anywhere at your own pace. No start and end dates need to be respected.

OPTION 2: MOOC platform iversity

About iversity

Iversity is an online education platform that is located in Germany and is specialised in providing online courses, in particular, MOOCs. Courses at iversity are free and open for anyone. iversity cooperates with individual experts as well as with various European universities. Currently iversity hosts about 60 courses.

iversity is part of Springer Nature Group, a world leading research, educational and professional publisher.

Through publishing our MOOC at iversity, we expect to increase the visibility of and access to our product.

MODE IT training program at iversity

The MODE IT training program has its specific title on iversity, which is “Introduction to MOOC design and delivery”. The workload of the MOOC was trimmed down to 20 hours following the standard iversity requirements. Working hours related to reading additional materials and creating a project work are not part of the workload.

Attending modules is free of charge, only the registration at the platform with your valid email account is needed. A minor payment of 25 EUR will be charged in case you wish to receive a Certificate from iversity on the course completion.