UB to launch its first academic MOOC

UB plans to launch its first academic, no-cost, “massive open online course” — or MOOC — this month on Coursera, the world’s largest, open, online education provider.

The MOOC, “ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students,” was designed and is being taught by Gregory Fabiano, professor and associate dean for interdisciplinary research in UB’s Graduate School of Education.

The ADHD MOOC is UB’s first academic MOOC — an acronym referring to online courses aimed at unlimited participation and open access on the Internet. It will launch on April 25. To enroll, go to Coursera to sign up and register.

The ADHD MOOC is divided into four modules that provide an overview of ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Course participants can expect to learn about ADHD as a developmental disorder that begins early in childhood. They also will learn about evidence-based approaches for diagnosing ADHD.

“ADHD impacts between one and two children in every classroom in America,” says Fabiano. “Our short course aims to provide research-informed information on how to best identify and help these children in homes and in schools.”

The MOOC emphasizes practical information that a parent, educator or professional can use right away to support a child with ADHD in the home and classroom. The strategies covered within the course are supported by research evidence and are considered to be best practice within the field.

UB’s Graduate School of Education has ranked consistently in the top 15 percent of schools providing online programs, according to the prestigious U.S. News and World Report.  Those programs have earned their rankings for being a leader in student engagement and services, highly recognized faculty credentials and training, admissions selectivity and peer reputation.

“Our fully online programs attract students from all over the world who seek collaborative experiences with our full-time research faculty, seasoned practitioners and, equally important, each other,” says Christine Kroll, assistant dean for online education.

“While we continue to have great success offering fully online programs, this outreach (MOOC) initiative has been specifically designed as a free offering available to teachers, administrators, family members and the public at large,” Kroll says. “I was impressed with Dr. Fabiano’s commitment to move his research in ADHD into an accessible course providing evidenced-based strategies that can immediately be used at school and within the home to provide students with ADHD the best opportunity for success.”

GSE Online has been offering fully online and accredited degree programs since 2001. During the past 15 years, GSE Online has developed what administrators and teachers called “a welcoming, interactive learning environment.”

“This environment quickly makes our students a part of our community and provides them with the opportunity to learn from tenure-track faculty and seasoned practitioners,” Kroll says.  

In addition to the ADHD MOOC, GSE offers a wide variety of doctoral, master’s and advanced graduate certificates completely online.