Sphere in Practice (SIP) is a new online course due for release in early 2021. It can be taken by anyone at any time as a self-paced e-learning course, with a total study time of around 8 hours. Additionally, SIP can be run as a MOOC lasting 5 to 7 weeks, where each of the 5 e-learning modules are complemented by live webinars and moderated discussion forums. Done properly, the estimated total study time for the MOOC is around 20 hours.
In November 2020, Sphere was joined by Sphere focal points, ADH and ASB to deliver a pilot version of the Sphere in Practice MOOC lasting 2 weeks. The main objectives of this course were as follows:
to get actionable feedback on all aspects and elements of the MOOC, including the e-learning modules, videos, webinars, infographics, moderated forums, certificates, the new LMS, participant onboarding, guest speakers (subject matter experts), communications, surveys, certificates, etc.;
to give the training team practical experience of running the MOOC;
to capture the lessons learned through the feedback and practical experience and to pass this knowledge on to people and organisation that will run this course in the future;
to provide a new Sphere learning experience (limited to 2/5ths of the total SIP content) to less-experienced participants; and
to inspire more-experienced participants to run this course themselves, notably in French, Spanish and Arabic.