eMOOCs 2025 - European MOOCs stakeholders summit

Scientific Program

Research Track

Track Chairs
Carlos Alario-Hoyos (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain)
Martin Ebner (TU Graz, Austria)
Marcus Specht (TU Delft, The Netherlands)

The Research Track sessions will allow participants to present results with the latest research advances around MOOCs. The track will focus on several areas. These areas can include:

• MOOC production processes, including innovative ways of developing content and activities; as also the integration of GenAI based components
• Quality assurance, with emphasis on sustainable models that address the issue of certification and credentialing;
• Incorporation of pedagogy and MOOC design elements that can bring rich learning experiences, as well as new innovative teaching and learning models (e.g., blended learning strategies, flipped classroom, etc.);
• New affordances to the role of technology in MOOCs, such as the development or use of new virtual learning environments and social spaces, learning networks and communities, interactive and interoperable learning objects, immersive and wearable technologies, generative artificial intelligence, or techniques such as a gamification;
• Learning Analytics within the MOOC ecosystem (e.g., to systematically optimize production or measure quality, to quantify the effectiveness of different learning designs and models in terms of learners’ engagement and outcomes, or to be included as part of new technological analytics products such as dashboards, adaptation or recommendation engines) or
• Roadmapping and strategy research on the future of online courses in any direction (AI, pedagogy, didactics, assessment etc.).
• Evaluation research and approaches to evaluate learning experience and value creation of MOOCs for different stakeholders.
  Submission of Papers

This is a two-step process, with the submission of the abstract first (maximum 500 characters) and then the submission of short or full paper:
Short Paper: up to 5 pages including references
Full paper: up to 10 pages including references

Experience Track

Track Chairs:
Valentina Reda (University of Naples Federico II, Italy)
Gideon Shimshon (Global Health Education Group)
Thomas Staubitz (German University of Digital Science)

Fifteen years ago, the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) revolutionized the educational landscape by leveraging technological advancements to create scalable, open-access learning opportunities. Today, we are on the cusp of another educational transformation driven by new technological innovations, changing student expectations, and the continuous evolution of lifelong learning paradigms.
What are the new trends, and how are MOOCs converging within these new digital education practices that are designed to enhance sustainability, inclusiveness and scalability - the cornerstones of MOOCs’ original success? These are significant and open questions that pose a challenge to Universities, MOOC providers and stakeholders.
This conference track invites scholars, practitioners, and innovators to explore the future of digital education in the European Higher Education environment, examining how we can leapfrog from traditional models to cutting-edge practices that meet the needs of today's learners and tomorrow's demands.

Topics of Interest Include:

The next 15 years: Technological Innovation in Education

• The role of Artificial Intelligence in personalized learning experiences
• Virtual and Augmented Reality applications for immersive education
• Practices and technologies for credentialing and secure academic records
• Technology-enhanced opportunities to improve the open online landscape
• Use of Ai tools in MOOC/Course design, production and delivery
• AI-Tutor/Teacher/Instructor in MOOC/Course experience

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Enhancing Student Experience & Efficacy:

• Strategies for increasing student engagement and retention in online courses
• The impact of digital tools and Ai on assessment, learning outcomes and student satisfaction
• Inclusivity and accessibility in digital education environments
• Online and on-site convergence delivery models. Hybrid delivery, new learning spaces, formats
• Design and development of AI based pedagogies and relevant teacher training to enhance the learner experience

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Lifelong Learning: challenges and opportunities

• Models and frameworks for continuous learning across different life stages
• The intersection of professional development and digital education
• Policy and infrastructure support for lifelong learning initiatives
• The Impact of AI Advancements on Future Employability Training and Assessment
• Business models and scenarios for micro-credentials in Higher Education
• Open education strategies/initiatives for continuous professional development, in the private and public sector

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Future universities and learning innovation strategies:

• The future of degrees and new models for integrating online and open education for scalability and sustainability
• Faculty and staff development for enhancing the use of new technologies and Ai
• The role of public/private (or university/corporate) sector partnerships in educational innovation
• Innovating HE: Intra and inter institutional models and strategies
• Strategies for Europe to bridge the gap and lead in digital education innovation
• Collaborative opportunities for cross-border initiatives and global partnerships in educational technology

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Reflections on the Past 15 Years: A Retrospective

• Experience in Business models: For-profit vs. non-profit and business relations
• Efficacy and lessons learned from online courses
• Transformations in the production, design, and delivery of education
• The evolution from MOOCs to COVID-19 and beyond
• Learning at scale: Achievements and challenges

We welcome submissions that provide insights, case studies, and meaningful experiences on these and related topics. Contributions should offer forward-looking perspectives that help shape the future direction of digital education in Europe and beyond.

Track on: Building microcredential ecosystems in response to market needs.

The integration of Microcredentials in the educational system requires uptake by various stakeholders within a MC-Ecosystem. Within this collaborative framework, public authorities, (MOOC-based) micro-credential providers, labour market organisations, social partners, and other stakeholders collaborate in order to boost the development and uptake of (MOOC-based) micro-credentials.
This integrated approach will enable the identification of labour market trends and strategic competence needs, the design of relevant (MOOC-based) micro-credentials, and the support of learners in developing their individual work and learning pathways, including their career transitions. The ecosystem will instigate systemic changes in both educational and labour policies tailored to specific national, regional, and local contexts, while also aligning with the Council Recommendation on Micro-credentials (European Commission, 2022).
In this track we welcome (short) papers and poster sessions, lightning talks presenting good practices and exploring new collaboration models.
We encourage submissions that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Collaborative Frameworks: Engaging public authorities, (MOOC-based) micro-credential providers, and labour market organizations to create cohesive ecosystems.
• Labour Market Integration: Identifying strategic competencies and labour market trends to design effective (MOOC-based) micro-credentials.
• Policy Development: Systemic changes in educational and labour policies to support (MOOC-based) micro-credentials.
• National Strategies: Integrating (MOOC-based) micro-credentials into national strategies and qualification frameworks.
• Quality Assurance: Developing quality assurance systems to ensure the value and recognition of (MOOC-based) micro-credentials.
• Lifelong Learning Pathways: Supporting learners in creating individualized learning and career pathways.
• AI in Identifying Market Needs: Utilizing AI-driven analytics to identify current and future labour market needs, guiding the creation of targeted (MOOC-based) micro-credentials.
• AI in Upskilling and Reskilling: Leveraging AI technologies to enhance the effectiveness and personalization of upskilling and reskilling programs through (MOOC-based) micro-credentials.
• AI skill Development Adaptive and responsive courses for the emerging introduction of AI in the market.

World Track

Track Chairs
Carlos Delgado Kloos, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain
Michael Gaebel, European University Association, Belgium

Track Committee Members
Chutiporn Anutariya, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
Carlos Delgado Kloos, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain
Michael Gaebel, European University Association, Belgium
Óscar Jerez Yáñez, Universidad de Chile, Chile
David Joyner, Georgia Tech, USA
Monioluwa Olaniyi, National Open University of Nigeria, Nigeria
Ting-Chuen Pong, Hong-Kong University of Science and Technology, China
Rodrigo Prestes Machado, Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Marisol Ramírez Montoya, Tec de Monterrey, Mexico

Description
MOOCs have been adopted all around the world. There are public and private initiatives, on a national or regional level. While we can say that MOOCs have been pervasive, the impulse they brought and the speed and dynamics of their development has not been the same everywhere and at all times. Also the role of MOOCs is changing and becoming more specific, due to the rise of other digital formats and interleaving with other developments such as microcredentials and mobile learning. In addition, the production and deployment of MOOCs is being affected by the affordances of Artificial Intelligence.

In this track, we expect to see perspectives from MOOC approaches from all continents. The state of things as well as best practices and future prospects are welcome. The submissions should come as a short abstract proposing a panel session with a concrete topic and committed speakers or as a paper submitted to this track.

Topics of Interest
- What has worked and what not in relation to MOOC initiatives - good practice and challenges
- Expected future evolution of MOOC initiatives in view of the latest developments and interests (AI, sustainability, SDG, societal skills & learning needs etc.)
- The role of MOOCs in higher education institutions and systems, also in view of growing emphasis on societal contribution
- Combination with other initiatives, such as microcredentials and mobile apps
- Partnership and collaboration (other educational institutions, industry, society)
- Chances for a more global outlook

Francophonie Track (French language focused)

The Francophonie Track at eMOOCs 2025, themed "Shaping Sustainable Lifelong Learning for All in the Era of AI," invites French-speaking educators, researchers, and innovators to contribute to the conference and share their unique perspectives. This track aims to highlight the diverse MOOC initiatives and educational technologies emerging from the Francophone world, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and best practices. Participants will explore how AI can transform learning experiences, enhance accessibility, and support lifelong learning within Francophone communities. Topics will include the development and implementation of MOOCs in French-speaking regions, the localization of content to address cultural and regional needs, and the role of MOOCs in promoting educational equity and sustainability. Join us in Paris to engage with fellow French-speaking professionals and contribute to the global conversation on the future of MOOCs in an AI-driven era.

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La track Francophonie, sur le thème "Façonner l’apprentissage tout au long de la vie pour tous à l’ère de l’IA", invite les éducateurs, chercheurs et innovateurs francophones à contribuer à la conférence. Les participants exploreront comment l'IA peut transformer les expériences d'apprentissage, améliorer l'accessibilité et soutenir l'apprentissage tout au long de la vie au sein des communautés francophones. Les sujets abordés incluront le développement et la mise en œuvre des MOOCs dans les régions francophones, la localisation des contenus pour répondre aux besoins culturels et régionaux, et le rôle des MOOCs dans la promotion de l'équité et de la durabilité éducatives.

Workshops

The workshops at eMOOCs 2025, themed "Shaping Sustainable Lifelong Learning for All in the Era of AI," will provide rigorous and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing participants' practical competencies and theoretical understanding of MOOCs and AI integration. Facilitated by distinguished scholars and industry leaders in education, technology, and innovation, these workshops will delve into a broad spectrum of scholarly topics, including the design and deployment of AI-enhanced MOOCs, methodologies for increasing learner engagement, and frameworks for ensuring equitable access. These sessions are meticulously curated to foster an environment of critical inquiry and collaborative exploration, allowing participants to refine their academic and technical repertoire, investigate novel pedagogical frameworks, and develop forward-thinking solutions to contemporary educational challenges. Engage with peers and experts to advance your scholarship and practice in the dynamically evolving field of online education.

Other: demos, booth