Melbourne Graduate School of Education launches Massive Open Online Course
“The more the merrier” is not a phrase often associated with class size, but the increasing popularity of online learning may change that.
The Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) has launched a Massive Open Online Course—or MOOC—on how to give school children the skills to survive in a world of ever-changing technology.
More than 15,000 people have enrolled in the course, titled Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills. They are among 500,000 who have enrolled in the university’s MOOCs since it joined international platform Coursera in 2012.
Course coordinator Professor Patrick Griffin said the scale was unimaginable for face-to-face teaching.
The course has attracted students from 160 different countries, about 50 of which are in Asia. The cohort is highly educated; nine per cent have doctorates, 38 percent hold higher degrees, and a further 38 per cent have completed undergraduate degrees.
Like all MOOCs, Teaching and Assessment of 21st Century Skills is offered free of charge and enrolment is open to anyone.
While students get the chance to learn from world-leading researchers, the researchers themselves are enthusiastic about the opportunity to share and collaborate with thousands of people.
“In such a new field, harnessing the insights of such a large group is very exciting,” Professor Griffin said. “MOOCs challenge everyone involved—participants and staff—to use and improve their skills in digital learning, which is in itself a twenty-first-century skill.”
Organisers say they have learned a lot from running this MOOC and are investigating the prospects of delivery in different languages.
“The MGSE is a world leader in delivering innovative, cutting-edge education programs, and the area of twenty-first-century skills is one of these,” Professor Griffin said.
“MOOCs offer a great opportunity to showcase such programs, and disseminate our work at scale.”
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Did you know that education at the University of Melbourne has been ranked second in the world in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject (2014)? The Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) offers a vibrant, friendly and exciting place to study, with contemporary facilities designed to meet your learning and social needs. Its environment is student-focused and supportive and the courses are challenging.
The MGSE is one of 13 Graduate Schools established by the University of Melbourne as part of the Melbourne Model. Teacher education graduates enjoy diverse career outcomes in challenging and stimulating settings from education through to the corporate sector. Equipped with transferable skills, including excellent problem solving, communication and organizational skills, University of Melbourne’s graduates are able to move in and around a broad range of industries.
Programs: Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Semester intake: March 2015
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Application deadline: August 29, 2014
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