MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature study

Access to digital technology has demonstrated the ability to change learning in the workplace with easily available resources and flexibility through often self-paced learning environments, offering employees the ability to take control of their learning experiences. The scarce existing body of rese...

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Main Authors: David Santandreu Calonge, Mariam Aman Shah, Karina Riggs, Melissa Connor
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2019-01-01
Series:Cogent Education
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2019.1687392
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author David Santandreu Calonge
Mariam Aman Shah
Karina Riggs
Melissa Connor
author_facet David Santandreu Calonge
Mariam Aman Shah
Karina Riggs
Melissa Connor
author_sort David Santandreu Calonge
collection DOAJ
description Access to digital technology has demonstrated the ability to change learning in the workplace with easily available resources and flexibility through often self-paced learning environments, offering employees the ability to take control of their learning experiences. The scarce existing body of research suggests that “specialised” MOOCs may be an effective means of upskilling the workforce. Whilst MOOCs offer a convenient, scalable and cost-effective means for businesses looking to increase or update skills within their workforce, much uncertainty still exists about both Australian employers’ and employee perceptions and attitudes towards the use of MOOCs as a way of addressing the skills gaps. The aim of this study was to explore the potential for MOOCs in addressing the skills gaps in the Australian workforce through a systematic qualitative review of the literature. In total, 19 research and media articles were reviewed. Three major themes emerged: MOOCs and flexibility for learning, MOOCs for on-demand, lifelong learning in a rapidly changing workplace, and credentialing of MOOCs towards a formal qualification. This study aims to contribute to this growing area of research by exploring the extent to which MOOCs might help address skills shortages and upskill employees in an Australian context.
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spelling doaj.art-1becdfeb033d49f0943eb4b8e8d65fc52023-09-03T03:12:46ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCogent Education2331-186X2019-01-016110.1080/2331186X.2019.16873921687392MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature studyDavid Santandreu Calonge0Mariam Aman Shah1Karina Riggs2Melissa Connor3Canadian University DubaiLancaster UniversityThe University of AdelaideThe University of AdelaideAccess to digital technology has demonstrated the ability to change learning in the workplace with easily available resources and flexibility through often self-paced learning environments, offering employees the ability to take control of their learning experiences. The scarce existing body of research suggests that “specialised” MOOCs may be an effective means of upskilling the workforce. Whilst MOOCs offer a convenient, scalable and cost-effective means for businesses looking to increase or update skills within their workforce, much uncertainty still exists about both Australian employers’ and employee perceptions and attitudes towards the use of MOOCs as a way of addressing the skills gaps. The aim of this study was to explore the potential for MOOCs in addressing the skills gaps in the Australian workforce through a systematic qualitative review of the literature. In total, 19 research and media articles were reviewed. Three major themes emerged: MOOCs and flexibility for learning, MOOCs for on-demand, lifelong learning in a rapidly changing workplace, and credentialing of MOOCs towards a formal qualification. This study aims to contribute to this growing area of research by exploring the extent to which MOOCs might help address skills shortages and upskill employees in an Australian context.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2019.1687392moocsupskillingemploymentliterature reviewaustralia
spellingShingle David Santandreu Calonge
Mariam Aman Shah
Karina Riggs
Melissa Connor
MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature study
Cogent Education
moocs
upskilling
employment
literature review
australia
title MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature study
title_full MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature study
title_fullStr MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature study
title_full_unstemmed MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature study
title_short MOOCs and upskilling in Australia: A qualitative literature study
title_sort moocs and upskilling in australia a qualitative literature study
topic moocs
upskilling
employment
literature review
australia
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2019.1687392
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