On Human Terms – Integration of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in Ergonomics in University Courses

Abstract

The aim of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) ‘Work and Technology on Human Terms’ was to be a modern, highly accessible study material in Ergonomics/Work science to contribute to safer and healthier workplaces. The course targets engineering students, but also students in economics, human relations, physiotherapy, occupational health, as well as professionals. The purpose of this paper is to describe the course and how it has been integrated in six Swedish university courses dealing with various ergonomic issues, and reviewing how the lecturers and students experienced the outcome. The MOOC covers the subjects: Human-Technology-System, Psychosocial and organisational environment, Physical environment, Information and interaction in technical systems, Methods/design processes, and Economic/legal conditions. Theory and models are presented in in photos, illustrations, animations, documentary clips, expert interviews etc. It contains four workplace cases, knowledge tests and a textbook. The course material was integrated in three ways; as voluntary, alternative material for the students’ self-studies, as a scheduled activity for self-studies with appointed chapters, and as compulsory, selected course material discussed in seminars. The type of integration that is most beneficial depends on the content and organization of the course and type of students. It opens up the possibility for flexible and blended learning based on the student’s individual conditions. It also saves lecturer time by excluding some traditional theoretical lectures in favor for supervised discussions, problem-solving in workshops, and practical projects.