Open Online Course Call for Proposals

Skill-building for the Future of Work

Join the Center for Academic Innovation to advance learning and extend academic excellence by making the University of Michigan’s diverse wealth of expertise accessible at scale.

As workforce changes lead to shifting industry demands, job requirements, and skill sets, there are emerging needs for targeted educational content in key in-demand areas within U-M’s global online learning portfolio. We invite faculty to submit proposals for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and course series that provide the knowledge and expertise to address these urgent needs, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, tech skills, emerging technologies, and human skills such as teamwork and project management.

We are seeking collaborative faculty partners considering visionary course concepts that not only fill these content gaps but also empower learners with the relevant skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. Join us in creating educational experiences at scale that provide broad reach and impact to bridge the gap and prepare the global workforce for the future.

Deadline

Focus Areas

Themes

Open course proposals in the following focus areas are encouraged. We also welcome proposals in categories beyond those listed below:

• Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence for careers (financial planning, resume and cover letter, etc.), artificial intelligence for teams (AI for project managers, AI for collaboration, AI to write Python and solve problems), and artificial intelligence for everyone (data strategy for using AI, AI for budgeting, AI as a thought partner).
• Tech skills and industry applications: data science and analytics, machine learning, digital transformation and automation, cybersecurity, process design, digital marketing and marketing analytics, systems engineering, and big data.
• Human skills: Leadership, teamwork, hybrid teams and collaboration, project management, conflict resolution, strategy, positive organizations, critical thinking, complex problem solving and decision making, creativity, and innovation.

Proposals that tailor the focus areas to the following industries and functional areas are also encouraged:

• Health and healthcare administration
• Technology
• Public and social sectors
• Manufacturing
• Mobility and automotive
• Business
• Creative industries
• Natural science sectors  

Funding & Support

Approved proposals will receive funding and support from the center that includes:

• A faculty stipend at the amount listed below is available once the initiative has successfully launched
  • Between $7500 – $10,000 for a single course, dependent on the amount of content proposed;
  • Up to $25,000 for a series
• In-kind support in the form of instructional design consultation, project management, and media production
• Funding for student Course Development Assistants
• Potential for shared revenue generated from courses

Proposal Submission Process

Proposal Requirements

Before submitting a proposal, please join us at a drop-in consultation session. Consultation sessions will be held in the center’s office at 317 Maynard St. During these sessions, center staff will be available to discuss the alignment of your idea with the call, the submission process, and offer any constructive feedback on the proposed idea.

If you are unable to attend one of the sessions listed below, please contact [email protected] to schedule an individual appointment or address any questions via email.

Proposal Requirements

• Eligibility: Faculty Status Policy
• Proposals for the creation of new Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) must be submitted by a faculty member.
• Proposals must be submitted to the appropriate administrator in the lead faculty member’s School/College for School/College approval prior to submitting to the Center for Academic Innovation.

Proposal Submission Consultation

Before submitting a proposal, please contact [email protected] to set up a consultation.

Timeline

• Call for Proposal Opens: October 3, 2024
• Consultation drop-in sessions: October 8 – November 21
  • Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m.
  • Thursdays from 11 a.m. – Noon
• Proposal deadline: Friday, November 22, 2024
• Decisions announced: Friday, December 20, 2024
• Course development: 
  • Development kickoff windows will include:
    • January – April
    • May – August
    • September – December
  • During the consultation and proposal development process, CAI will work with you to identify which development window(s) can accommodate the availability of all faculty contributing to the initiative. We will use this to inform the initiative development timeline if your proposal is approved

Proposals are due Friday, November 22, 2024.

FAQs

Why is this call focused on developing content needed for workforce development?

Analysis of the impact of automation and AI on demand for workplace skills in the U.S. and Europe suggests that employees will spend 24% more of their work hours using their social and emotional skills by 2030, and 55% more time on technological skills (McKinsey & Company, May 23, 2018). 

To keep pace with these changing demands, learners are seeking opportunities to develop the human and technical knowledge and experiences that will prepare them to harness emerging technologies, make decisions, and communicate effectively. At the same time, employers are seeking ways to build competencies among individuals within their organizations and offer new learning and development opportunities that attract and retain talent (Gartner, December 22, 2022).

The University of Michigan’s collective depth and breadth of expertise uniquely positions faculty to bring transformative courses to learners locally, regionally and across the globe who seek affordable and accessible learning opportunities that enable them to achieve their personal and career aspirations.

What kind of learners do open online courses and series on Michigan Online engage?

Michigan Online open courses give learners across the globe access to on-demand video lectures, activities and assessments, as well as community discussion forums and shareable course certificates upon completion.

The U-M online learning community has learners from more than 195 countries and territories, including India, US, Brazil, China, Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, Germany, Pakistan, Egypt, and beyond. In total, our U-M open online courses have generated more than 19 million enrollments. Through more than 280 MOOCs created by CAI and its partners, learners across the globe earn certificates and pathways to degrees online, while building skills for the future of work. 

What is the typical format of an open, online course (MOOC) or series?

MOOC lengths can vary due to a variety of factors. As a best practice, we recommend designing courses with the following features:

• Course: 3-8 modules in length and approximately 3-20 learner effort hours (effort includes watching videos, reading articles, responding to discussion prompts, completing assessments, etc.). 
• Series: A series is made up of 3-6 connected courses. A series is typically between 3-16 modules in length and approximately 15-100 learner hours.

How long does it take to develop an open online course?

Development for a single course (from kick-off through design, content development, media production, and course building, to launch) can take on average 3-9 months, while the average for a Series can take 6-12 months. Regardless of course length, faculty can expect to dedicate about 10 hours of effort per week based on a variety of factors, including content creation needs, complexity of course media, etc. Project kickoffs are determined by aligning faculty availability with the Center for Academic Innovation’s production capacity.