Can Co-Creating and Participating in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Develop Climate Change Leaders?

There is an urgent need to develop climate leaders who can inspire and support mitigation adaptation actions. This exploratory study assessed the experiences of two student populations: (1) remote learners participated in, (2) co-creators co-designed, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Act on Climate: Steps Individual, Community Political Action (AoC). It examines extent which participation involvement in course facilitated development leadership practices both populations. MOOC learners’ answers discussion prompts (2099 responses from 705 learners) co-creators’ interview (n = 10, r 83%) were qualitatively analyzed, informed by Kouzes Posner’s (2018) five key effective leaders. Findings suggest that engaged these varying degrees. For example, groups “modeled way” taking change action consistent with their values “inspired a shared vision” conveying desired futures for planet. Both attributed range features embedded (e.g., being prompted research take actions) process co-creation having agency creatively collaboratively produce content). Given positive potential populations, this paper argues more research, including experimental studies, learn how MOOCs processes best be designed participants’ development.