Science Diplomacy Massive Open Online Course
EDUCATION & TRAINING
What is being proposed?
The Science Diplomacy Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Initiative involves developing and distributing an open-access tool to help propel science diplomacy with informed decisionmaking capacities around the world, especially with the Global South. Guiding questions with activities and learning points are available for Board dialogue to frame the Science Diplomacy MOOC, recognizing Global South leadership with the International Institute of Science Diplomacy (IISDS) at UCSI University (founded by Professor Zakri) and their recent book on Science Diplomacy in the Global South. The Science Diplomacy MOOC will be built around four modules that would engage learners 3–5 hours per week for four consecutive weeks:
- (I) The Problem of Science Diplomacy from the Perspective of the Developing World
- (II)The Theory and Practice of Science Diplomacy
- (III) Individual Science Diplomacy Practitioners Reflecting on Their Personal Experiences
- (IV) The Importance of Politics and Culture in Science Diplomacy
Seven steps will be involved with the Science Diplomacy MOOC production:
- Map the learning journey
- Produce the video elements
- Post-production and Animation
- Assigned readings and short multiple-choice tests
- Look and feel
- Adding the course to a relevant platform (like edX or MITX)
- Development of online (video) trailer and advertising material
In parallel with the Science Diplomacy MOOC production, a marketing strategy will need to be developed with various partners and funders, ultimately to sustain the Science Diplomacy MOOC as an enduring global contribution with common-interest building and inclusion (who, what, when, where, why and how).
Who is involved?
The Science Diplomacy MOOC will be coordinated by Professor Susskind. Professor Berkman will serve as the managing director with this SDCI Initiative. We will need to identify an experienced video production team to work with us. Professor Susskind has used many such teams through MIT’s Office of Open Learning. We might also hire a commercial online producer (i.e., Coursera, Emeritus, etc.) if we can find one that is willing to front all production costs in exchange for a modest enrollment fee.
How will this initiative be executed?
We are talking about a MOOC that would be distributed globally, especially to Least Developed Countries using a university platform (like MITx) or via an online learning company like Coursera or Emeritus. Ideally, SDCI would design and develop the MOOC in cooperation with an appropriate distributor. But, if necessary and with sufficient philanthropic support, we can hire an appropriate production team and oversee the whole video production ourselves (Professor Susskind has done so numerous times). At the end of the fourth week of each Science Diplomacy MOOC release, we would provide (for a modest fee) a “certification exam” so that learners can demonstrate that they have completed the material successfully with receipt of a Certificate from SDCI and, perhaps, MIT. Ideally, the full course would be released three or four times a year on fixed dates. Based on past experience, the Science Diplomacy MOOC will cost at least $150K to produce (assuming Professor Susskind can use MIT space and involve MIT students at no cost). Estimated production costs do not include SDCI management time and overhead. It should not be necessary to pay the “on-air talent”, given our mission and the network of friends and colleagues we should be able to draw on. Once we have completed the MOOC, there are ways for SDCI to build partnerships with agencies and organizations, such as arranging with universities and diplomatic academies across the Global South to incorporate the Science Diplomacy MOOC into their existing teaching or credentialling programs, accompanied by a Supplementary Teaching Guide.
Why is this consistent with our mission? Where is impact driven?
The Science Diplomacy MOOC Initiative has sustainability dimensions and cross-cutting relevance to SDCI. This initiative contributes to our mission directly and most immediately by enhancing leadership with IISDS in Malaysia to strengthen the capacity of next-generation science diplomats in the Global South. This Initiative will engage multinational institutions and organizations in enhancing science diplomacy capabilities of their leaders along with encouraging universities and diplomatic academies to add science diplomacy to their teaching and training programs.
MOOC Projects
Coming Soon.
