This application proposes a research network for the investigation of the Developmental Impact of Massive Open Online Courses (DIMOOC) platforms, and related Autonomous learning approaches (DIMOOCAA). MOOCs attracted much hype and policy-maker interest in the early 2010’s, and was described as revolutionary for economic empowerment and access to quality education. The problem is that the hype has no basis in empirically proven strong developmental impact, and the small states in Eastern Europe has low research capacity in studying the impact of MOOCs in their societies.
Now, the time has come to empirically research the impact. The purpose of this proposal is to initiate a research network by including a core of partners from SH, Tallinn University, University of Zagreb, and University of Prishtina. We will also create a periphery around the core of other scholars with MOOC expertise and their relevance for society.
Giving access to higher education is not only about financial means, but also covers subject matter areas that are suppressed by the local government (e.g. political issues, corruption, ethnic conflict or even democracy). All these are very important for regions in Eastern Europe, particularly the Western Balkans.
A concrete objective of the network is to develop larger research grants for 2025 and onwards. Other activities will scaffold this objective; discuss methodology, find the best researchers, identify existing studies, and understand the context.