MOOC Camp are facilitated discussions around massive open online courses (MOOCs), Open Courseware, and other free online courses. They are hosted at U.S. Embassies, Consulates, American Spaces, and other public spaces around the world. Facilitated discussions are led by alumni who have participated in U.S. government exchange programs, such as the Fulbright program, and U.S. Embassy staff, who are familiar with the course materials and volunteer their time. U.S. Embassies and Consulates in more than 60 countries are currently participating, in subjects ranging from entrepreneurship and college writing to science and technology. Course content is drawn from major MOOC providers, including Coursera, edX, and Udacity, as well as from multiple Open CourseWare providers.
The Department of State is committed to identifying new models that offer broad learning opportunities, help meet the aspirations of young people around the world, and offer skills and knowledge that they can use to succeed in life. MOOC Camps do exactly that – all the while offering students a chance to test-drive a U.S. higher education experience. Program participants will also be able to learn more about opportunities to study in the United States through EducationUSA, a network of hundreds of student advising centers around the world that the State Department supports. Participation in the program is free and open to the public.
Interested in volunteering to host a MOOC Camp or in partnering with us? Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Facilitators of MOOC Camps can access the first version of our Guide for Facilitators online. One of the goals of the program is to learn about what works in blending MOOCs with in-person learning experiences. The practices in the guide are drawn from recommendations by facilitators, staff from our Embassies and Consulates, course professors, and MOOC providers. We are sharing this document publicly so that others can draw from past experiences and so that others can contribute recommendations where there are currently gaps. If you have a good practice you would like to share, send it to [email protected].