Increasing the digital competencies of teachers through mass open online courses (MOOC): design, implementation and evaluation

Abstract

In the article the effectiveness of mass open online courses (MOOCs) in the development of teachers’ digital competencies was examined. MOOC represents a large-scale approach to professional development that can reach a wider audience. Assessing the impact of such courses on teachers’ digital skills is crucial in improving educational resources. This article evaluates MOOCs designed to improve digital literacy skills. A survey was conducted with the participation of 78 teachers and 114 undergraduate students of Karaganda Buketov University. The data were analyzed through descriptive and summary statistics to assess the effectiveness of MOOCs. This study is an innovation in the integrated assessment of MOOCs, designed specifically to enhance the teachers’ digital competencies. Unlike previous studies, the study uses mixed methods to ensure a thorough assessment of the course's impact on skill development and student satisfaction. When developing the course, the focus was on multimedia resources and practical applications. This research paper highlights the importance of a well-designed MOOC to address the teachers’ digital needs and provides actionable recommendations for the effective application and development of MOOCs in the future. In addition, the results of the study contribute to the literature on professional development and offer ideas for optimizing MOOCs for educational purposes.