Vilnius University and its partners from Arqus European University Alliance offer a massive open online course on challenge-based learning (CBL) in higher education. Vilnius University coordinated the creation of this course. MOOC, which starts on 13th June 2022, is aimed at teachers in higher education and anyone interested in CBL. The course consists of four units, each of which is 4 hours long.
The course does not require any prior knowledge, and the number of participants is unlimited. This MOOC combines theory with practical examples and testimonials of teachers and students involved in CBL projects.
In this course, participants will be introduced to CBL, including its benefits and drawbacks. Moreover, attendees of the course will find out how the learning process in CBL can be structured and supported and get an overview of the main participants and their core roles, responsibilities, and competencies. After completing the MOOC, participants will be able to identify means for meaningfully assessing CBL.
Dr. Jurgita Vizgirdaitė, an interim Head of Study Division – Deputy Director and an Associate Professor at Vilnius University Business School, says that leading an international team, working on the Challenge-based learning MOOC development and implementation was a challenge in itself, but also highly rewarding.
"The application of CBL in higher education has many benefits. The Big Idea behind the challenge can ensure valuable results as they relate to societal development matters. Other benefits may include the development of student competencies necessary for the contemporary environment – the so-called transversal competencies are key here", says Dr. Vizgirdaitė.
According to her, in this course, disciplinary competencies are developed too.
"Moreover, the CBL conditions the student's active participation, and this may be highly empowering – realizing that you make decisions for your own learning. The CBL may be implemented in a course, throughout the program, as an interdisciplinary project or as an international project among some partner universities. Lastly, the external partners – the private or public sector representatives may also be involved in CBL. Thus, here some significant collaboration may start. Our Arqus CBL MOOC team invites all teachers to join the MOOC on 13th June, learn more and apply in their own learning and teaching practices", says Dr. Vizgirdaitė.
The other course leaders are also excellent experts in their fields. Among them are Silvia Didier, and Dr. Noémie Dominguez, associate professors at the Iaelyon – School of Management at the University Lyon 3, Mag. Caterina Hauser, a research assistant at the Center for digital teaching and learning of the University of Graz, Paolo De Stefani, senior lecturer in International Law at the University of Padova, Italy, and Smita Mohanty, who coordinates the "Entrepreneurial University and Regional Engagement" action line of the Arqus European University Alliance.
Participants who will answer at least 75 % of the self-assessment questions correctly will be issued certificates of completing the course.
Find more information about MOOC and enroll here.