Autism Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)

Transcription

1 Autism Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Associate Professor Mick Grimley Academic Director of Teacher Education & Ms. Emma Donaldson Lecturer Education 1

2 The Autism MOOC On April 2nd 2015 Swinburne University of Technology launched a worldwide 6 week Autism MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) An Autism course (not for university credit) Open to everyone and free Online therefore accessible worldwide Massive typically taken by thousands of people across the world 2

3 Characteristics of a MOOC Very large numbers mean: Difficult to facilitate group work and discussion forums Difficult to include assessments as marking is difficult Tend to rely on expository explanations Feedback to participants difficult Retention rates low - typically 1-10% 3

4 The project The MOOC had over 15,000 people registered. The original participant target for the project was 5,000 this figure tripled with one social media share. 4

5 The MOOC aims The MOOC was developed as an altruistic project to give to the community. Understand the effectiveness of the MOOC pedagogy in supporting such communities Take a practical approach to Autism through the lens of inclusivity 5

6 MOOC Design Scenario based learning was used to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to solve practical issues in the lives of individuals with Autism for better social, emotional and educational outcomes. The MOOC was aimed at family members and practitioners involved in the day-to-day issues involved in managing the environment surrounding an individual with Autism. 6

7 MOOC development The MOOC used Design Thinking to create the topics and scenarios used in the MOOC by engaging members of the Autism Community. This information was used to formulate the weekly topics and real life scenarios for participants to develop their skills. 7

8 MOOC Learning Journey Week Topic Thinking Skills 0 Orientation to MOOCs Netiquette 1 Introduction Person First 2 Communication Define 3 Special Interest Make a plan 4 Label Try it out 5 Transitions What next 6 Resilience Reflect and Connect 8

9 Weekly Layout Introductory Video (Swinburne Academics: Mick and Emma) 1-2 topic videos (Experts sourced locally and abroad) Activity one: 2-3 real life scenarios (participants choose one and practised thinking skill) Activity two: relate the topic/scenario/thinking skill to individual situation Wrap up (Swinburne Academics: Mick and Emma) Exemplary Examples (Sourced from the participants) 9

10 Statistics Registered users Registered participants Participants not started 3202 Participants started Video Views 113,913 No of participants accessed the 3002 course during the last week % completed based on started 24% 10

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12 Snapshot of Outcomes Good retention rate 24% + Diverse participant engagement True community of practice High satisfaction (based on written feedback) and demand for further similar courses Huge amount of data around support needs 12

13 What we learnt and next time What we learnt: The power of design thinking and authentic Autism community engagement The importance of creating topics which covered the Autism spectrum and participants interest Next Time: Group sizes smaller for greater discussions Wrap Up videos to be more in depth Video vignettes for scenarios Larger online platform to facilitate an anticipated wider audience 13

14 I have done many courses and training through my job as an Education Assistant to inform me and assist me to support the students I work with with ASD. I have found this MOOC unlike any of those as it has had a different approach to things. I've especially enjoyed the vidoes from those with ASD that have shared their personal journey. The first person approach keeps me in check. I've enjoyed reading the experiences from other participants and see how they are faced with similar challenges I see my student's, their family, carers and educators face. Thank you very much. I've enjoyed this positive and refreshing course (MOOC participant, 23 May 2015). I've really enjoyed the Autism MOOC and am grateful to Swinburne for putting it on and making it so accessible for everybody. I've enjoyed watching the clips and learning first hand from those that have autism and those who work with people on the spectrum (MOOC participant, 23 May 2015). 14

15 I would like to thank Swinburne for this opportunity to enrol on this course and will be looking out for more courses in the future (MOOC participant 20th May 2015). What a privilege it was to being part of this well organized, planned, AMAZING study course on AUTISM! (MOOC participant May 19th 2015) I found this MOOC inspiring and insightful. I am pleased to say that I have already begun to implement these ideas and strategies into my practice (MOOC participant, 19th May 2015) The entire MOOC has been an eye opener. I now feel I will be more proactive in supporting children in my care. Working with them and finding solutions to help make their experience throughout the day more positive and enjoyable. All educators at our centre are now consulting more, sharing problem solving and generally confident in trialling or testing out our strategies (MOOC participant, 21st May 2015). 15