Innovative Hybrid SPOC Model for Initial and Continuing Education at University

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative model of hybrid SPOC (Small Private Online Course) implemented for Professional Licence curricula, running at Cadi Ayyad University since late 2016. This continuing training is the first in Morocco to be sanctioned by a nationally accredited diploma. The training requires learners to complete 70% of the work remotely, while the assessments are mainly face-to-face. The educational technologies used are mainly based on the LMS Moodle and social networks. We aim to explain how these technologies are used to articulate presence and distance coherently and effectively. The pedagogical theoretical framework of this hybrid SPOC model is inspired by social constructivism. Its implementation is the result of collaboration between researchers and teachers. The process of this double reflexive study is presented along with its advantages for teaching practices. We also present an analysis of the academic, technological and institutional context where the introduction of hybrid learning leading to a diploma could meet real demand and globally improve the quality of this training compared to its entirely face-to-face version. To optimize costs, and according to a viable economic model, the mediatized contents within the context of this continuing education are reused for another initial course program at Cadi Ayyad University free of charge for the students. Besides, part of this content is accessible to all as Open Educational Resources.