Fostering Cross-Generational Collaboration in Adult Education. Case Study on GSmart MOOC

Abstract

The constant changes in today's world, in almost all areas of life, are forcing individuals to continually upgrade their education, expand their competencies to adapt to a changing and unpredictable reality, and efficiently take advantage of the many opportunities provided by modern technology. Learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle, Canvas and Blackboard are becoming increasingly popular in educational institutions, highlighting the growing integration of technology in education. Integrating cloud services such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 has dramatically improved the capabilities and accessibility of distance education. These platforms offer tools that enable real-time collaboration, information sharing and effective communication between teachers and students. Today - thanks to constant access to the Internet - learners have a variety of ways to (self-)learn formally and informally, including through mobile devices or social or information services. The article describes the concept of MOOCs - these are quick courses organized in a virtual space to acquire knowledge, skills and social competencies in an easy and accessible way, available to everyone, regardless of the age of potential participants, their qualifications, location or possession of specialized software - and an example of the application of the MOOC concept in adult education which is the GSmart MOOC tool developed within the framework of the international Erasmus+ project entitled Generation: Smart. Social Competences Transmedia Bridge To Cultivate A New Culture For Cross-Generational Collaboration (GSmart) was implemented by us. The emergence of MOOCs, such as GSmart, in adult education underscores a significant shift toward more inclusive, flexible and interactive learning environments. The continued evolution and adoption of MOOCs will be crucial in shaping a future in which lifelong learning is integral to personal and professional development. Moreover, the example of our course may encourage others to apply the concept in various other possible ways.