The Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance (GMA) initiated the 2023 GMA Awards in April to celebrate excellence in technology-enhanced courses. The final winners were meticulously selected from a diverse pool of 31 nominations submitted by 12 Alliance member institutions across eight countries.
The selection process was spearheaded by an international panel comprised of seven expert evaluators from Alliance member institutions and UNESCO ICHEI (International Centre for Higher Education Innovation), as well as six learner evaluators from Alliance members — specially designed to ensure that both instructor and learner perspectives played a crucial role in the evaluation. The courses were assessed based on a four-dimensional criteria matrix:
Inclusive and Equitable Education
Lifelong Learning and Development
Quality Teaching and Learning
Technological or Digital Innovation
In no particular order, here are all 12 GMA Award 2023 winners and some highlights or comments from the evaluators:
- Shambaljamts Tsooj: Design of Mechanism (Recommended by Mongolian University of Science and Technology)
“Pioneering the first MOOC in Mechanical Engineering at MUST, this course masterfully blends MOOCs with in-class practices, utilizing multimedia to facilitate a flipped classroom environment.”
- Ong Yew Soon, Chit Lin Su, Jason Fok Kow: Engineering Computation (Recommended by Nanyang Technological University)
“This course innovatively employs a browser-based, gamified maze solving and design platform, encouraging knowledge building in computing and artificial intelligence, and has seen over 100 mazes created by more than 500 students.”
- Guo Yanjun, Qin Shan, Zhang Jinjiang, Chen Bin, Li Mei: Virtual Simulation Experimental Teaching Course of Crystal Morphology Analysis and Mineral Identification (Recommended by Peking University)
“A national first-class course open to the globe, incorporating virtual simulation, augmented reality, and more, it’s recognized widely with over 20,000 online viewers and more than 9,000 experimental participants.”
- Riccardo Mangiaracina, Sergio Terzi, Giovanni Miragliotta, Angela Tumino, Massimo Ficagna, Alessandro Piva, Giacomo Vella, Irene Di Deo: Digital Innovation Waves (Recommended by Politecnico di Milano)
“A forward-thinking course taught in a blended format, combining theoretical lessons with practical examples, equipping students with comprehensive knowledge of digital transformation from multiple perspectives.”
- Wang Huiru, Yu Jianbo, Huang Tao, Wang Feng, Xu Gang, Yuan Xiaoling: Improving Immunity Based on Traditional Eastern Exercises (Recommended by Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
“An online course aimed at improving human immunity through traditional Eastern exercises, delivered by a multidisciplinary team, attracted over 10,000 visitors and 4,740 global learners. “
- Tatyana Chernigovskaya, Svetlana Alexeeva, Natalia Slioussar, Kirill Nourski, Maxim Kireev, Kira Gor, Ekaterina Protasova, Turid Magnhild Helland, Kenneth Jan Hugdahl, Tatyana Petrova, Veronica Prokopenya: Neurolinguistics (Recommended by Saint Petersburg University)
“A comprehensive MOOC providing a deep dive into neurolinguistics, featuring an immersive learning experience with detailed explanations and visual aids, reaching a diverse audience.”
- Natawut Nupairoj, Veera Muangsin, Peerapon Vateekul, Sukree Sinthupinyo, Thanarat Chalidabhongse, Wirote Aroonmanakun, Puripant Ruchikachorn, Sipat Triukose: Data Science Essential and Applications (Recommended by Thai MOOC)
“A self-paced course on Data Science, designed for a wide range of learners with multilingual support, focusing on practical applications, making learning accessible and flexible.”
- Zhu Guiping, Yu Xinjie: Principles of Electric Circuits (Recommended by Tsinghua University)
“The first professional core curriculum in electrical engineering and related majors at Tsinghua University, emphasizing student-centered learning, a discussion-based classroom and integration of experiments and lectures.”
- Kristina Wiebels, Joan Leung, Michelle Burstall, Caitlin McRae, Niamh Patterson: Psychology for Society (Recommended by University of Auckland)
“A dynamic online course for working professionals in psychology, employing innovative methods like Meyer’s 12 multimedia principles, overcoming geographical barriers and fostering inclusive learning.”
- Daniel Schwartz, Andres Fernandez-Vergara: Data Analysis and Causal Inference (Recommended by University of Chile)
“A data analysis course acknowledged by numerous teaching awards, featuring an inclusive approach, dynamic teaching tools, a flipped classroom, and mixed evaluation methods.”
- Jia Yuhong, Liu Hu, Liu Peiqing, Huang Jun, Cui Degang, Chen Ming, Luo Mingqiang: Aerospace Technology (Recommended by XuetangX)
“A standout MOOC in Aerospace Technology, blending VR technology and a multi-dimensional teaching model, attracting over 50,000 candidates, it demonstrates its global appeal and impact.”
- Shi Zhiguo, Chen Jiming, Lou Dongwu: DIY a Smart Home —— Follow Me to Learn IoT (Recommended by Zhejiang University)
“A hands-on course guiding students to build a complete IoT smart home, combining theory with practical experiments, has engaged over 49,000 students and is recognized by 96 universities.”
More details about the winning courses (… more to come)
[GMA Award 2023] Design of Mechanism
[GMA Award 2023] Engineering Computation
[GMA Award 2023] Neurolinguistics
As the 2023 GMA Awards conclude, we extend heartfelt congratulations to the winners for their outstanding contributions to STEM education. We appreciate the dedication of all partners for their ongoing support. Together, we are committed to innovating for accessible, high-quality education and inspiring a brighter future for all.
