Experiential online development for educators: The example of the Carpe Diem MOOC

We report on educators’ experiences of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) focussed on the ‘Carpe Diem’ learning design process. The MOOC was developed in-house using Blackboard CourseSites by a university innovation and development unit, Learning Transformations, at Swinburne University Technology in Melbourne, Australia. We propose the potential of MOOCs as an opportunity to expose university academics who are taking part as participants in online learning to constructively change their teaching practice. We report on a study of their experiences with the Carpe Diem MOOC. Conclusions include illumination of MOOCs’ value as professional development opportunities that can provide an authentic relevant experience for educators as well as promote new skills in learning design and delivery for their own teaching.