Pedagogical methods and learning possibilities are now undergoing significant change as result of advances in e-learning technology, such as the availability of massive open online courses (MOOC), and with the ever greater focus on supporting student centred learning. At the same time there is the need to reformulate curricula to respond to the widening remit of the life sciences and the need to embed more generic skills in our graduates.

The aim of the ICA-EDU Colloquium 2016 is centred around two themes of e-learning open source courses.

  • firstly, to discuss the possibilities, challenges and benefits for the integration of open source learning approaches, such as MOOCs, in curricula, and
  • secondly business models for the development and delivery world wide of e-learning systems such as MOOCs.


The colloquium will have three keynote presentations, but is otherwise organized as a workshop to write a scientific article based on these topics. The manuscript will be written before, during and after the workshop using cloud services. The Keynote speakers in the colloquium are.

Ulrike Wild, Director Distance Learning, Wageningen UR
PÄivi TynjÄlÄ, Professor (education), University of JyvÄskylÄ
Petri Parvinen, Professor (marketing), University of Helsinki

You are invited to submit an abstract for a short 5 slide powerpoint discussion opener and as a poster of that presentation on one of the two themes of the colloquium. These presentations will provide a basis for the in depth small group discussions. The outcome of these discussions will contribute to the articles around the colloquium topics. Deadline for submission of an abstract is March 31, 2016. Email Mika Rekola to register your interest and receive more details.

Registration will open in late February.
The Colloquium is promoted by the ICA Network for Innovation in Higher Education in the Life Sciences in Europe (ICA-Edu) see Webpage

22.02.2016