The University of Montpellier is committed to civic education with the creation of a MOOC.
Research and communication of information is a subject that concerns everyone. In a context of information overload, with varying degrees of control over what is available online, cross-disciplinary skills are more necessary than ever for citizens who want to find their way, exercise critical thinking, and find relevant information on a subject objectively. To meet these requirements, the University of Montpellier has created an online course (MOOC) on the theme of "training to be better informed, meeting the information challenge," which will run from February 19 to April 20, 2024. It will be freely accessible on the France Université Numérique platform.
Why was the MOOC created?
Information now plays a major role in politics and economics as well as in private life. Choosing your sources of information, searching effectively, evaluating the reliability of a document or website, and maintaining a critical mindset: with its targeted yet comprehensive approach, this MOOC enables you to acquire fundamental skills, regardless of the constantly evolving technical and technological environment in which we study, work, and live on a daily basis.
Designed by the joint documentation service, this MOOC provides everyone with the keys to navigating a context of information overload, with varying degrees of control over websites and social media. It enables users to acquire the information skills that are more essential than ever for any citizen who wants to find their way, exercise critical thinking, and find relevant information on a subject objectively. It encourages reflection on practices and offers methodological tools, exercises and activities, summary sheets, and various resources for further study. This course consists of six parts that will be released over the course of several weeks. Through introductory and summary videos, interactive presentations, and quizzes, participants will learn best practices for searching for information. The teaching team will host a forum several times a week.
The MOOC is open to the general public and has no prerequisites. At the end of the six-week training course, participants receive a certificate of completion in the form of an open badge. Registration is open until March 20, 2024.
A MOOC in line with the values of the University of Montpellier
The University of Montpellier upholds strong values of excellence in both research and student education in order to meet the societal challenges of tomorrow. However, the profound changes in society and the economy that are emerging as a result of climate, health, and working conditions concerns will require everyone to be able to learn and inform themselves independently in order to meet the immediate needs of their work, acquire the ability to adapt to employment throughout their lives, and maintain an essential link between science and society. Due to its original nature, its focus on a topic that has received little attention to date, and the fact that it is aimed at all audiences with a civic dimension, the University of Montpellier was naturally keen to promote this project and make it a real topic of discussion. This MOOC is part of the strategic management dialogue (2022) and is co-financed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Practical information:
- Date: February 19 to April 20, 2024.
- Registration: deadline March 20, 2024.
- The MOOC program: here.