Science in Society spreads its wings: An online course suite and integrative MOOC approach

• Main Authors: Salmon, Rhian, Priestley, Rebecca, Mitchell, Delphine, Carter, Anna, Dohaney, Jacqueline
• Other Authors: Swinburne University of Technology
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: unknown
• Published: The University of Waikato 2016
• Subjects: Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/446305; https://kiwibelma.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/deanz-2016-conference-proceedings/

This paper presents the iterative and experimental growth of a suite of asynchronous, flexible, online courses offered by the Faculty of Science at a predominantly campus-based University. Initially starting as a small 15-point summer course in 2011, the programme has grown into a nationally-recognised undergraduate Minor and two MOOC-like courses that are currently being offered in pilot form. The development of each course has introduced new student learning needs, new technologies, new challenges, resourcing issues, and opportunities. Positive student feedback, high adaptivity to student needs, significant support and resourcing from IT Services and senior management, alignment with a new University strategic vision, and input from concurrent communities of practice, a professional mentor programme, and other aligned research programmes have all helped to support the development of this programme. Highlights include use of technologies that enable a personalised learning experience, taking student s on location through the use of field-lectures (from Wellington to Antarctica), and substantial upskilling and enthusiasm from a wide cohort of staff profiled in the courses.