Evaluating the use of a MOOC within Higher Education Professional Development Training

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a massive open online course (MOOC) as a professional development tool in higher education. The transition from the MOOCs initial intended use as a low cost way for students to access education and aid their studies has evolved, from facilitating the Higher Education sector to the commercial sector. Findings indicate there is an increase in participation and satisfaction amongst higher education staff who undertook a MOOC compared to attending a workshop. This was primarily due to its flexibility. Recommendations from this study’s findings highlight that staff were keen to engage with the MOOC format, but felt they needed face to face meetings as well to reinforce and discuss the key messages of the MOOC. In addition to this, time allocation within the workload model would be required for any future involvement as a staff development tool.