MOOCs as Networks of Local Learning Communities: An Experiment in Preparing Future Faculty

An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching is a seven-week MOOC jointly developed by faculty, staff, and students at six institutions. Aimed at graduate students and postdocs in the STEM disciplines planning faculty careers, it functions as a stand-alone course yet also supports a network of local learning communities—groups of participants meeting in person to discuss and apply what they are learning about STEM teaching. In this session, we will describe the structure of this blended learning model, share feedback from MOOC participants and learning community facilitators, and discuss ways this model might be applied to other courses.

OUTCOMES: Understand the structure of this particular blended learning model (MOOC plus local learning community) * Identify factors contributing to or impeding the success of this model * Brainstorm other teaching initiatives where this model might be appropriate