Since July 1st until 1st September 2023, we piloted the first MOOC in Greece for “University Education and Teaching Methodology in Higher Education” by the University of Crete Teaching and Learning Centre (CTL ToTT). 

The first course will be launched as a MOOC on October 1st, 2023 (expected end-date is 15th December 2023) and the 2nd one in January 2024. This academic development course follows international standards of instructional design and it is not a simple repository of videos or texts. It has a duration of 8-10 weeks and it features reflective activities and forum discussions to create a vibrant community of learning and a sense of belonging. Beyond  its evidence-based research on higher education and input, an important part of the success of our MOOC is the provision of ample opportunities for reflection and interaction with other participants. The digital model of teaching and learning used here gives those who complete it the opportunity to have a more complete picture of what it means to “Teach or Learn Digitally”.Provision of positive yet constructive feedback is another feature, which may be a time-consuming process but it is expected to increase the sense of instructor presence ( teacher presence) and the sense of belonging among all the members of our active community of practice. Participants will be receiving a weekly update by the instructor regarding recurring issues and important insights.

We also incorporated peer-coaching opportunities where teachers/academics have the opportunity to share real-life  challenges and receive advice or feedback from other teachers/academics. Assessment is not only quiz-based but we perceive it as an opportunity to reflect and align our teaching practice with international guidelines and the specific learning environments that frame our courses. Participants are expected to participate at least once in the forum of each unit, complete the tasks and pose a question in the peer-coaching sections of each unit (All these account for 50% of the course). The final report accounts for the remaining 50% of the course assessment. Upon completion of all course requirements, they will be receiving a certificate. 

Do not miss this opportunity to reflect on your own teaching and learning practices. Register online now here!

My team and I are very excited to start this new learning cycle! We invite Greek CTL coordinators who are interested in participating in the next cycle to share information about our MOOC in all Universities in Greece. 

For CTL TotT,

Dr. Kallia Katsampoxaki – Hodgetts (Instructional developer of MOOC, Coordinator of University of Crete Teaching and Learning Centre) and Prof. Eleni Katsarou (Scientific Responsible of the funded project by ESPA 2014-2021)