Abstract:

In this paper we describe our best practices for facilitating learning networks alongside Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). We want to show how a model of combining local learning networks and digital learning resources leads to better:
• Translate and transfer the content into practice
• Acceptance and retention of the contents
• Collaboration and communication among schools
• Partnership between education and university

Norway has established a new way of professional development in schools. The goal is an improved collaboration between schools and universities. This new model for building competence is based on learning networks and a partnership between municipalities and local universities.

The example in the paper describes a practical example of collaboration between a large municipality, four schools/school leaders/teachers on the topic assessment for learning. They were all using a MOOC as digital resource combined with supervision from Inland University of applied sciences that facilitated learning networks over the duration of one year.

We list the applied theories, detail experiences and include feedback from the participants. The municipality is also subject to yearly surveys which will qualify the outcome of our intervention.

Finally, we describe how based on these experiences, we are now developing a specific practical model for collaboration between schools and university alongside a new national MOOC to support the realization of the new curriculum.

Keywords:

Professional Development, MOOC, network, leadership, partnership.