MOOC-Eds provide a scalable, accessible, and flexible approach that is aligned with the principles of effective professional learning. Our approach is grounded in authentic, active, and collaborative professional learning activities. The approach builds upon the following key design principles:

• Self-directed learning, through personalizing your experience by identifying your own goals, selecting among a rich array of resources, and deciding whether, when, and how to engage in discussions and activities to further your own learning and meet your goals.
• Peer-supported learning, through engaging in online discussions, reviewing your colleagues' projects, rating posted ideas, recommending resources, crowdsourcing lessons learned, and participating in twitter chats and other exchanges appropriate to the individual course.
• Job-embedded learning, through the use of case studies, classroom and school related projects; developing action plans; and other activities that center your work on critical problems of practice and data-informed decision-making in your own classrooms, schools or districts.
• Multiple voices, through learning about the perspectives of other teachers and administrators along with those of students, researchers and experts in the field. Our courses are purposefully not designed around one or two experts who present online lectures. They provide exposure to a rich set of perspectives presented within the context of course elements that reflect these core principles.

You will see these design principles implemented in our courses through the following instructional elements:

• Conceptual Frameworks
• Resource Collections
• Asynchronous Discussions and Twitter Chats
• Student Scenarios
• Expert Panels
• Participant Projects and Peer Feedback
• Crowd-sourcing
• Professional Learning Community (PLC) Guides

How do I use a MOOC-Ed?
In general, you should feel empowered to use a MOOC-Ed to meet your learning needs. Use the resources, materials, and strategies in a way that support your own learning goals. Remember that MOOC-Eds are self-directed. You do not have to go through them in order or follow along at a particular place. Throughout the courses you will have opportunities to engage in discussions with your colleagues from around the globe. The discussion forums can be accessed by using the left navigation bar when you're on a course unit page or by clicking the "Discuss" link under each Unit heading on the main course page.

How does a typical MOOC-Ed unit flow?
In most units, we will begin with an introductory video, followed by an activity or a core set of digital resources. These activities and core resources were purposefully selected to provide some common background, frameworks and language to inform our discussions and peer feedback. You can self-select to review the recommended additional resources and learning pathways based on your personal learning needs and interests. In each unit’s discussion forums, you are invited to share your thoughts, reactions and new learning from the core resources and other activities you have selected to engage in.

Is there a cost to participate in a MOOC-Ed?
There is never a cost for participating in a MOOC-Ed.

How much time will the MOOC-Ed require?
A MOOC-Ed is a self-directed learning experience. Therefore, the amount of benefit will reflect the amount of time and effort you spend on the course. On average, past participants found that they benefited from spending 3 to 4 hours per week on a course, but some spent less and some more.

How will discussion forums work in this MOOC-Ed?
Throughout a MOOC-Ed, we invite you to contribute to discussion forums by adding comments to existing discussions or starting new discussion topics. Simply click "Add a new discussion topic" to get started once you are enrolled in a course!

How do MOOC-Eds differ from other MOOCs?
MOOC-Eds build on models of effective professional development, professional learning communities, and online communities of practice. They focus on professional practices, collaboration and peer-supported learning, and do not include elements like tests and grades that are needed in other types of MOOCs. They are designed for school leaders, teachers and supporting staff, such as instructional coaches and lead teachers, as well as university faculty, consultants, and any others interested in education.

What technology do I need to participate?
You can access our courses via a computer, tablet or smartphone that has any up-to-date browser and an Internet connection.

Will my contact information be sold or shared?
Absolutely not. Please see the Terms of Use page for our policies.

Do I need to be part of a local team in order to participate?
Participation is open to all interested educators and other community members. We recommend, when possible, participation with local colleagues, but if that is not feasible, individuals are welcome to participate on their own.

If we are participating in the course as a school team, does everyone on the team need to register for the course or can we just use one account?

We suggest that each person in your team registers, so that the members of your team will be able to participate in different activities and discussions, and then synthesize the information when you meet together. It is also important to register if you plan to request a certificate of completion.

Are MOOC-Eds open to educators from private, charter and international schools?
Yes! We invite participation by educators worldwide.

I am not employed by a school but work with schools (as a consultant, university faculty, museum staff, or other ways). Can I take a MOOC-Ed course?
Definitely. It is open to anyone who is involved in K-12 education in any way.