scholarly journals Learning Design Decisions in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) Applied to Higher Education in Civil-Engineering Topics

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 8430
Author(s):  
Eva Gómez-Llanos ◽  
Pablo Durán-Barroso
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Civil Engineering ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
University Education ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Massive Online Open Courses ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Open Courses ◽  
The Relationship

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflect the relationship among social, economic, and environmental aspects of society. Massive online open courses (MOOCs) represent an opportunity to promote lifelong learning (SDG 4), complementing university education or providing knowledge to society free and openly. The objective of this work is to analyze experiences in one MOOC about wastewater treatment applied to higher education in civil engineering (SDG 6). The proposed educational methodology and the achieved participation results are studied. The MOOC had three editions and was hosted on the Miríadax platform. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, initial motivation, and satisfaction level were collected from questionnaires. The results highlighted the importance of design decisions to obtain a high completion rate: defining a target audience, without prejudice to the course’s open character, where the prior knowledge of students is crucial. The teaching methodology is based on autonomous and progressive learning, with short and direct master classes, social support, with the motivation of students to continue their training with opening complementary topics in the forums, following up on their doubts, and their combination with social networks.

scholarly journals Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) within the Framework of International Developmental Cooperation as a Strategy to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 10187
Author(s):  
María José Sosa-Díaz ◽  
María Rosa Fernández-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
International Development ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Development Cooperation ◽  
Development Organizations ◽  
Massive Online Open Courses ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Open Courses

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) offer the opportunity to implement a quality education timetable for those who lack the means due to economic, travel, or temporary availability limitations. Because of this, some non-governmental development organizations (NGOs), working in Latin American countries, are trying to implement this type of educational model within their educational projects. This article presents a case study on the development of a MOOC within the framework of international development cooperation carried out by an NGO and the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua. The research aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges of free, open, online teaching as a tool for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, and explore new educational possibilities to train people and contribute to the development of the communities in which they live. From a qualitative approach, grounded theory has been used as a holistic methodology for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, allowing the generation of theory in a systematic way. The most effective pedagogical models are evidenced to achieve the learning objectives and observe the challenges to be faced in order to achieve the effectiveness of MOOCs in this context. In conclusion, more applied research is needed to address the challenges that today’s societies, in times of pandemic, are facing at an educational and sustainability level.

A University Education

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Willetts
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
University Education ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Controversial Issues ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship

Universities have a crucial role in the modern world. In England, entrance to universities is by nation-wide competition which means English universities have an exceptional influence on schools--a striking theme of the book. This important book first investigates the university as an institution and then tracks the individual on their journey to and through university. In A University Education, David Willetts presents a compelling case for the ongoing importance of the university, both as one of the great institutions of modern society and as a transformational experience for the individual. The book also makes illuminating comparisons with higher education in other countries, especially the US and Germany. Drawing on his experience as UK Minister for Universities and Science from 2010 to 2014, the author offers a powerful account of the value of higher education and the case for more expansion. He covers controversial issues in which he was involved from access for disadvantaged students to the introduction of L9,000 fees. The final section addresses some of the big questions for the future, such as the the relationship between universities and business, especially in promoting innovation.. He argues that the two great contemporary trends of globalisation and technological innovation will both change the university significantly. This is an authoritative account of English universities setting them for the first time in their new legal and regulatory framework.

The Management of Teaching in Online and Blended Learning Applied in the Project “Modern Competences of Academic Teachers – the Key to Modern Higher Education Institutions” – Acronym MOCAT

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-401
Author(s):  
Roxana Stefanescu ◽  
◽  
Mariana Iatagan ◽  
Cristian Uta
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Teaching Competencies ◽  
Training Materials ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Academic Teachers ◽  
Academic Teacher

The management of teaching is connected and could be increased by using a wide range of different methods especially when we refer to Online and Blended learning. In the first part, the paper is aiming at reviewing the literature regarding the concepts and benefits of Online and Blended learning. Based on this considerations, 8 partner universities from 8 countries jointly developed the Project “Modern competences of academic teachers – the key to modern Higher Education Institutions (HEI)” – Acronym MOCAT. The paper underlines the goals and achievements of the MOCAT project that proposes a conceptual process to increase the management performance in teaching. The paper shows in an organized manner the main deficiencies that are altering the teaching competencies of academic teachers and in connection with this, the project offers solutions to improve the methodological competency of the teachers regarding the development and use of modern approaches. The outcomes of the project consist in the development and implementation of a Multicultural Model of an Academic Teacher Competencies and in 10 online courses that represent modern training materials in the field of teaching methodology. In the end are exposed the way the results of the project can be evaluated in time as well as the anticipated effects of the project implementation.

Quality of learning experience, student satisfaction and perceived overall experience in the COVID-19 context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Venugopal Prabhakar Gantasala ◽  
Swapna Bhargavi Gantasala ◽  
Tareq Na'el Al Tawil ◽  
Prerana Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Medical Programs

PurposeThe intention for this study was to explore any relationship that might exist between quality of learning experience (QLE), the second construct student satisfaction (SS) and the third construct perceived overall experience (POE) among undergraduate students within the higher education context. This study also attempts to explain the path direction between QLE, SS and POE.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers utilized structural equation modeling to analyze the variables considered for this study – QLE, SS and POE and for hypotheses testing. Respondents for this study were medical students' coordinators of the undergraduate level of medical colleges in the 28 states of India. Data collected for the study were possible by utilizing a questionnaire that was emailed to these student coordinators. The emailing effort returned 198 (n) filled questionnaires (complete) representing 198 institutions offering undergraduate-level medical programs out of a total of 542 institutions that offer undergraduate medical programs.FindingsFindings from this study confirm the relationship between QLE with SS, and PLE. Interestingly, the findings established a significant relationship between SS and POE.Practical implicationsDecision-makers and administrators of higher education institutions (HEIs) can utilize the findings from this study to focus on strengthening important elements of QLE in ways that positively impact SS and POE of students taking online courses and program offerings. The study reiterates the importance of course content, course structure, lecture-delivery quality, instructor mentoring and student-instructor interactions on SS and POE. The role of SS in reinforcing confirmation, perceived usefulness, perceived openness of the online courses and the perceived reputation was established. This relationship is key to administrators while they focus on improving SS and building on the institutions' reputation in addition to their efforts to support marketing and enrollments during the pandemic.Originality/valueResearchers in the past have examined the relationships between QLE and another construct of this study – SS. Past research has also examined the relationship between QLE and POE. However, there is not enough research exploring the relationship between SS and POE. This study establishes the relationship between SS and POE that benefits decision-makers in higher education.

scholarly journals Russian Students’ Readiness for Distance Learning: Current Situation and Future Challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-97
Author(s):  
V. N. Kiroy ◽  
D. N. Sherbina ◽  
A. A. Chernova ◽  
E. G. Denisova ◽  
D. M. Lazurenko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Internet Technologies ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Distance Learning Technologies ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

In the context of the COVID pandemic, there has dramatically increased the significance of distance learning technologies. Higher education will most probably increase their usage even after overcoming the coronavirus. This paper aims at assessing Russian university students’ readiness to exercise distance learning technologies. The survey within Rostov-on-Don universities provided data on 428 students’ skills in using Internet technologies when studying. It is shown that in the pre-pandemic period, no more than a quarter of students had the necessary skills to participate in video conferences, and about 16 % of students took online courses autonomously. Only 6,5 % of the respondents could manage both technologies that comprise distance learning. The results obtained on the relationship between academic performance and self-participation in online courses, as well as on the relationship of these indicators with general digital literacy and immersion in social networks, should be taken into account within wide computerization of education during the pandemic.

A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach for Evaluation of MOOCs Platforms

2016 ◽  
pp. 510-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Pratap Singh ◽  
Preetvanti Singh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Multi Criteria Decision Making ◽  
The World ◽  
Massive Online Open Courses ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
Open Courses ◽  
Education Courses

Technology and globalization have increased accessibility to higher education. In recent years, the concept of online or distance learning has expanded to a growing number of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), i.e. enrolling in free higher education courses open for any Internet user. MOOCs are recent trends in distance learning promoted by several prestigious universities. This Chapter describes what MOOC is with review of the history, its characteristics, advantages, and different platforms for developing of MOOCs. The authors also discuss the multi-criteria nature of MOOCs and identify the parameters important for selecting a MOOC platform. It is hoped that MOOC will enhance accessibility, student engagement, and experiences for lifelong learning which will empower and inspire educators around the world and promote success in learning.

scholarly journals Mathematics Applied to the Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: A Necessary Relationship of Dependence

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
Matilde Lafuente-Lechuga ◽  
Javier Cifuentes-Faura ◽  
Úrsula Faura-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Mathematical Techniques ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Academic Year

Higher education must include training in sustainability to make all actors aware of the serious problems our planet is facing. Mathematics plays an important role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and at the same time these allow working with real situations in the subject of mathematics, providing the student with active learning. Sustainability is used to make the student see the usefulness of mathematics while instilling values and attitudes towards it. A set of problems have been raised during the academic year that are solved with the developed mathematical techniques, and through a survey, the students’ perceptions about the usefulness of mathematics to reach the goals established in the SDG has been evaluated. The results show that, regardless of the student’s gender, the student’s assessment of the usefulness of this subject in solving real problems improved. It has been observed that this teaching methodology has helped to motivate students and even those who do not like this subject have improved their appreciation of it.

scholarly journals Openness in higher education

2018 ◽  
Vol 325 ◽  
pp. 227-234
Author(s):  
Tatiana Chiriac
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Open Educational Resources ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Educational Resources ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Massive Online Open Courses ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Open Courses ◽  
Constructivist Approaches

The purpose of this study is to analyze the phenomenon of openness in higher education and its trends and technologies of expanding educational opportunities in the digital information society of Moldovan universities. The main concepts of openness in education are associated with the practice of online learning and constructivist approaches, technical optimization of delivering information, continuous professional development and globalization of higher education. Since skilled knowledge becomes the main value of the market, then higher education perspective as a tool of knowledge reproduction is transformed into the basic space of openness and accommodation to innovative use of educational resources. The key issues related to openness in order to impact higher education target the development of Open Educational Resources (OER), as well as implication of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), relatively new online learning trend. There are institutional practices of the adoption and use of open education technologies in some international universities and organizations, which could be extended as well to create an open learning system in the Republic of Moldova, focusing on national practices of education. Openness of Moldovan HEIs is a strategic choice for the future in a rapidly changing educational market that should proliferate.

scholarly journals Trends in Teaching Methodology Specific Educational Activities of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Students

GYMNASIUM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol XX (1 (Supplement)) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Andreea-Gabriela Lazăr
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
University Education ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Active Subject ◽  
Educational Ideal ◽  
Education Process ◽  
The Way

The aim of this paper is to highlight the dynamic and open character of teaching methodology in higher education and to emphasize the necessity of centering the education on the student in order to increase the efficiency of the educational activities. In the education  centered on student, the student turns into an active subject of the education process. He should be considered as a partner of the teacher who together set goals in order to increase the efficiency of the education process and the formation of the school route.  Because of the evolution of society, now, more than ever, a reform of university education is needed, more exactly, a reform of the way in which education unfolds. Moreover, university education must bring multiple valences to the professional and personal development of the graduate, which is also an aspect of  educational ideal.

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