Design of a MOOC for teaching and research: the innovative experience of the MERGO project

Among the digital objects that support online learning, the diffusion of Massive open online courses (MOOC) has taken up more and more space. The ongoing debate has focused on the integration of MOOCs with traditional teaching due to their flexibility of content and participation. This article sets out the characteristics and essential elements in the didactic design of a MOOC. The MERGO (Erasmus +) project will use a validated pedagogical framework aimed at developing innovative tools. The aim of the project is to associate online learning with experiential learning in the acquisition of sensory skills. The theoretical paradigm of reference on which the MOOC is structured is linked to ICT, specifically the use of tangible user interfaces (TUI) and the gamification approach, which integrates theories on distance learning and new frontiers of MOOCs and short master. The purpose of this work is to expose the planning and design process of a MOOC oriented towards research and teaching, a fundamental moment for the success of the project.