Opportunities of MOOCs and flipping micro-learning models in international joint academic degree programs

This research paper investigates the readiness of students to opt for MOOC courses in universities offering a joint master degree international program. A study is conducted on two joint academic study programs offered by the University of Hasselt in Belgium and Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Jordan. The study examines the readiness of students to take MOOC courses and their acceptance by universities' management staff and professors. The study reveals promising results as they suggest that such virtual study programs are readily accepted in both universities by professors and students, though management staff and some professors expressed concerns on the approval of the equivalence of a MOOC onto courses. A flipping microlearning class-learning model is proposed as the future excellent educational model, creating the flexibility for the students to study courses or on distance or on campus. MOOCs have been found a suitable option for delivering learning content online.