If the first chapter in the evolution of massive open online courses (Moocs) was written in the US, it may well be in Europe that they make their next significant advance.
This is the view of Hannes Klöpper, co-founder and chief academic officer at Iversity, a Berlin-based Mooc platform that launched in October 2014. Mr Klöpper argues that the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) presents an opportunity to transform Moocs – free, standalone courses – from academic novelty to meaningful qualifications.
The ECTS is a standard for comparing student attainment and performance in higher education institutions across Europe. Under the system, students can transfer credits for study already completed towards an appropriate equivalent degree in any of the 53 countries that have ratified the Lisbon Recognition Convention.