Massive open courses as a teaching tool about experiential learning in the 21st century. Lessons from the European Higher Education area

Abstract

The creation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) goes hand in hand with putting a spotlight on skills development in student’s education. Therefore, the implementation of the new university system means that professors must be adapted to their students’ learning style, and become involved in the new teaching methodologies. To achieve this goal, the present papers discusses the creation of a massive open online course (MOOC) aimed at unlimited participation, and open access about experiential learning for university professors. In addition to traditional course materials, this course provides new tools such as video lectures, readings, interactive courses as well as immediate feedback to quick quizzes and assignments. Moreover, by allowing learners to complete their coursework in their own time, it provides flexibility to learners based on their own personal schedules. Only in this way, the academic staff of every university may be prepared for the changes taking place in 21st century. Difficulties about this teaching tool are discussed in the present paper. Specifically, the present manuscript explains how the authors worked to widen access to experiential learning in Higher Education for thousands professors teaching to undergraduate students, as well as the availability of affordable technologies. Other aspects like the learners’ skills development and how they were assessed are also addressed.