Articles · Vol. 11 No. 1-2 (2013): Journal of Higher Education in Africa · Pages pp. 101–119

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Green Economy Transition: Feasibility Assessment for African Higher Education

  • Godwell Nhamo
    Godwell Nhamo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5465-2168 (unauthenticated)
    Godwell Nhamo is a Full Professor, Chief Researcher and Chair for the Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions at the University of South Africa (Unisa). He is an NRF C3 rated researcher in the fields of Green Economy, Climate Change Governance and Sustainable...
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Vol. 11 · 2013 No. 1-2 Journal of Higher Education in Africa JHEA

Abstract

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are a new phenomenon globally and in Africa. MOOCS have attracted student registration in hundreds of thousands per course in certain instances, as well as gaining acceptance across different societies. MOOCs present opportunities for learning in general and specifically learning towards green economy transition in Africa. Many MOOCs are currently hosted by institutions of higher education in the USA, with the first MOOC breakthrough entitled “Artificial Intelligence” having ‘exploded’ at Stanford University in California (USA) in summer 2011. The “Artificial Intelligence” enrolled 160,000 students, 23,000 of which graduated after 10 weeks. The question then is: are MOOCs feasible in educating African masses in the field of green economy transition? Born in 2008 and popularised throughout the years following the global financial crisis, world leaders confirmed from Rio+20 that green economy transition is the way to go if humanity is to remain sustainable on planet earth. This paper presents MOOCs as an emerging area with opportunities to enhance learning for green economy transition in general and specifically for Africa. The twin phenomena under discussion require massive roll outs of: firstly, learning management systems like MOOCs, and, secondly, the dissemination of massive appropriate content, knowledge and skills related to green economy transition that current formal education systems will not manage given the demand and urgency. The answer to the question raised is therefore a qualified ‘yes’ mainly due to limited e-readiness in the continent.

Keywords

Education Assessment MOOCs

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Author Biography

  • Godwell Nhamo

    Godwell Nhamo is a Full Professor, Chief Researcher and Chair for the Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions at the University of South Africa (Unisa). He is an NRF C3 rated researcher in the fields of Green Economy, Climate Change Governance and Sustainable Development and has published widely in these areas. Prof Nhamo has over 20 years of work experience drawn from a mix of academic and consultancy spheres. Among his offerings are 17 books (13 edited and 4 co-authored) and over 100 journal articles and many book chapters. Since 2013, Prof Nhamo has graduated 11 PhDs, is currently supervising 6 others and has hosted 11 postdoctoral fellows from across Africa. Professor Nhamo set in a number of both international and national boards and technical panels addressing issues in his research space. Professor Nhamo has received many awards and recognitions that include: Unisa Chairperson of Council Award of Excellence in Overall Job Performance and Community Service (twice), Unisa Vice Chancellor Award of Research Excellence (three times) and Unisa Prestigious External Research Award and Recognition (2018). He was also a 2015/6 finalist in the prestigious South Africa National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) GreenMatter Category for outstanding contributions in biodiversity conservation, sustainability and green economy, a 2017 Semi-Finalist in the CEO Global Titans Awards and in 2017, recognized for the Rhodes University Distinguished Old Rhodian Award for having reached exceptional heights in his chosen career by maintaining excellence in the field and service to society. Prof Nhamo also developed a five-week long course on ‘Post COVID-19 and Low Carbon Transition’ for IDEP/UNECA to be offered from 20 September 2021. Prof Nhamo was one of the four-member African Union High Level Panel drafting the Green Innovation Framework for the continent and is also one of the experts for the Non-economic Losses (NELs) Group under the UNFCCC Warsaw International Mechanisms on Loss and Damage. Finally, Prof Nhamo designed a Post COVID-19 Low Carbon Transition 5-weeks course for UN IDEP.

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