Blog post #2 - The benefits of MOOCs for professional development

As a Learning and Development Specialist, I have found the surge of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) introduces a new direction in instructional strategies when it comes to the upskilling of employees in technical roles. MOOCs have emerged as an excellent platform for enterprise training and professional development, offering unparalleled benefits in terms of agility, relevance, and accessibility.

The landscape of IT is always evolving. Staying on top of cutting-edge technologies is imperative for any workplace, and mine is no different. MOOCs stand out by delivering real-time, up-to-date content. In a landscape like IT, where technology is constantly changing, this gives us a huge advantage over conventional training that often struggles to keep pace with rapid industry changes. This adaptability positions MOOCs as a crucial tool for organizations seeking a competitive edge.

Accessibility is another key advantage MOOCs bring to the table. Time is a precious commodity and rigid schedules often clash with the demands of IT departments. MOOCs provide a flexible solution where the learners can engage in coursework and training at their own pace. I have found great success in this, as running mandatory virtual or in person sessions would often result in many unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

One area I have struggled is in finding the right MOOC for the training required. Collaboration with subject matter experts (SME’s) has been paramount. With SME’s reviewing the MOOC’s, I can ensure the course alignment with our organizational goals and ensure the learning is impactful, even though I myself do not know or understand the technical aspects being taught.

In conclusion, the introduction of MOOCs signifies a profound transformation in instructional approaches for upskilling technical roles in a corporate environment. Adapting to this shift requires planning, collaboration, and a commitment to creating a learning environment that capitalizes on the agility, technological relevance, and accessibility that MOOCs offer. As a Learning and Development Specialist, I can achieve this by recognizing my own lack of technical knowledge, embracing innovation, and redefining the approach to skills development in this space.

Resources

Florentine, S. (2015, September 15). 4 ways MOOCs are changing professional development [Review of 4 ways MOOCs are changing professional development]. CIO. https://www.cio.com/article/242218/4-ways-moocs-are-changing-professional-development.html