Abstract:

As knowledge society is mainstreaming around the world, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been increasingly integrated in formal and informal learning environments, especially in a complex and fast-changing world. In this context, Learning and Knowledge Technologies (LKT) have proved to be a valuable asset for continuous learning of professional from all sectors, especially for those working on natural resources management and common goods governance. Science and technology related to these topic are rapidly moving forward and paradigms are changing in a fast-pace, which is the case of the water sector. Water resources management requires specific skills that are not only oriented towards engineering and technical studies, but also the understanding of social dynamics and biophysical interactions, all of them working together in a complex system. Water professionals are actively demanding new ways to increase their knowledge through virtual learning environments due to the transdiciplinary approach and the constant changes in the area. This document analyses the experience of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), with the collaboration of the Regional Centre for Water Security (CERSHI) under the auspices of UNESCO, in designing and implementing the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Water Security, available on Coursera platform. Firstly, the document presents the changes of paradigms in water management and explores how the water sector has incorporated them into its educational programs and trainings. The phases of designing the MOOC are described, considering the identification, selection and analysis of formal education programs on water security. The integration of the syllabus under a frontier science approach and the development of the virtual learning environment is also discussed in this section. Finally, community engagement and youth participation in integrated water resources management is discussed. This initiative is promoting education for sustainability for more than four thousand participants of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Keywords:

Water Security, Massive Open Online Course, Education for Sustainability, Continuous Learning, Virtual Learning Environments.