Hybrid Flexible Learning with MOOCs: A Proposal to Reconceptualize the COVID19 Emergency beyond the Crisis

Abstract

In the current pandemic emergency, where everything changed in a matter of hours, many fields have confronted the situation with emergency responses, in many cases, with openness and collaborative approach. In the context of education, some view the current emergency as an opportunity for digital transformation and innovation in education. However, the emergency responses to have the desired impact in the long term, need to be strategically thought-through and planned. In this paper, we argue that open practices, sound design and virtual mobility based on administrative support principles can bring opportunities for quality education. Moreover, we reconceptualize and recontextualize the notions of blended, hybrid and flexible learning within this situation. The current paper is a conceptual contribution drawing on a case of a university experience, with a radical transformation focus, contextualized in current covidl9 educational emergency. To conclude, we propose a Hybrid Flexible Learning Framework based on two main pillars: virtual mobility and design that could be a useful conceptual tool for the current situation but also for future consideration, beyond the crisis.