Harnessing the potential of online learning in Italian Universities: from blended classes to MOOCs (original) (raw)
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This paper explores the transformative impact of flipped learning and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on higher education, specifically in the field of medieval archaeology at the University of Padova. It delves into the implementation of these innovative approaches, their effects on student performance, and the valuable insights gained from student feedback. Additionally, it highlights the global reach of MOOCs created as a complement to these courses, including their multiple functions and implications also for lifelong learning. The findings suggest that blending online and traditional teaching can create a dynamic and inclusive educational experience that caters to the needs of traditional students, professional archaeologists who want to improve their skills and competencies and enthusiasts of archaeology.
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If we look at the short but widely analyzed history of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), it is evident that these courses, which were created and are still often acclaimed as 'open', have been progressively losing most of their openness. A substantial-and probably increasing-number of MOOCs are in fact not based on Open Educational Resources. Moreover, they are not continuously available for access. Recognizing that many openness declinations exist in the MOOC panorama, this article seeks to expand global knowledge