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MOOC: Landscape Ecology

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The proposed MOOC "Landscape Ecology" builds upon the existing ETH-TORQUE course "Landscape Ecology" which is currently taught as a Bachelor course in a flipped classroom setting.

Abstract

 
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Landscape Ecology | ETHx on edX www.youtube.com

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The MOOC «Landscape Ecology» is the world’s first comprehensive interactive course in the field of landscape ecology. The aim of the course is to learn about landscape ecology as a fact-based and knowledge-based discipline that offers good solutions for landscape and spatial planning, but also for forest management and agriculture. The MOOC emphasizes the importance of landscape ecology for solving fundamental ecological questions as well as the importance for solving practical management problems. The MOOC is based on an ETH-TORQUE, which is tailored to the ETHZ and has a stronger Swiss context than the MOOC. The TORQUE allowed us to experiment with e-learning tools. The MOOC allows students to acquire expertise in two areas: Area 1: Theory (largely based on the existing TORQUE). The main principles of landscape ecology are taught in alternating units in the form of video lectures, video interviews with experts, quizzes and interactive simulations. All content is taught on the principles of active learning and activates students for feedback and forum discussions. They immerse themselves more and more in the material. The aim is to understand general principles of landscape ecology and then apply this know-how in the second area. Area 2: Applied case studies. Each theory block is followed by a case study in which students apply, consolidate and reflect on their theoretical knowledge, read scientific articles, argue and solve real landscape cases with students from all over the world. The case studies are presented by leading experts in landscape ecology from different continents. This gives students a real learning experience with global content. The case studies are designed to facilitate active collaboration between MOOC participants and between ETH students and MOOC participants. During the case studies, students receive professional help, evaluations and feedback. These learning methods maximise student participation and provide tailor-made feedback.

Success factors

• Landscape ecology is a global discipline that can be ideally illustrated with many case studies – this is what MOOC does.
• Global student cooperation is fostered

Innovative elements

• Students upload their own work to cards
• Students review each other – 6SA essays promote precise writing

Room for improvement

Mutual review of the students occasionally leads to disagreements due to different cultures of criticism.

Opinion of students

The MOOC is highly praised. The case studies are very positively noted. The R software and GIS exercises are praised. The strict timetable is critically evaluated. The mutual student reviews are assessed in a mixed way.

Tips for lecturers

• case studies from all over the world promote the credibility of the course.
• upload possibilities promote the liability of the students
• 6SA Exercises are very valuable exercises for concise formulation.
• Cooperation with many experts promotes the diversity of the course

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Authors