On May 29th, 2017, Grenoble Ecole de Management will launch a new version of its New Energy Technologies MOOC. This innovative learning tool was built in collaboration with key players in the energy sector. The reasons behind the participation of companies such as Air Liquide and Schneider Electric are simple: to share expertise and experiences in order to overcome environmental challenges.
Grenoble Ecole de Management developed the second edition of the Mooc New Energy Technologies , in partnership with Tenerrdis, Yélé Consulting, Grenoble INP Ense3, Think Smartgrids, Air Liquide, CNR, GE Renewable Energy and Schneider Electric. This collaborative effort will provide a total of 34 experts who will address a variety of topics related to renewable energy. This edition will also cover topics such as the relationship between the digital transformation and the energy transition as well as the ISO 50001 standard.
"Air Liquide decided to participate in the MOOC New Energy Technologies because it's a great way to raise awareness on the challenges surrounding biogases and in particular hydrogen. One of our primary goals is to meet evolving energy needs in a manner that provides sustainable solutions that are environmentally friendly," explains Agnès Le Guern, head of HR at Air Liquide.
New improvements for the second edition of the MOOC
"Last year, Air Liquide invested approximately €50,000 in the creation of the first New Energy Technologies MOOC, which attracted almost 5,000 participants. In 2017, we contributed around €8,000 for a second MOOC. This year's edition includes several improvements thanks to feedback from last year's participants," adds Agnès.
The second edition of the MOOC, which will last six weeks, has confirmed its importance in Air Liquide's strategy as a primary player in the field of renewable energy. The MOOC is designed to teach the fundamentals of renewable energy and raise awareness about the energy sector. The course includes interactive segments as well as as videos with the participation of 34 experts, including ten from Air Liquide.
By participating in the MOOC, Air Liquide aims to help build an ecosystem that encourages skill sharing and trust between industry, research and university partners. "Expertise and knowledge is only valuable if it's shared with partners who can question our perspectives. It's about encouraging open innovation," says Agnès.
MOOCs: promoting free and easy access to information
MOOCs offer several advantages in terms of education. They are free and easily accessible. They rely on interesting educational approaches that can be adapted to match each participant's rhythm. The format is designed to reach a wide audience from prep schools to undergraduate and graduate students as well as the general public. This MOOC is a unique opportunity for a wide community of interested individuals to interact and exchange with industry experts about the future of the energy transition.
"We'll be facilitating access for our employees by offering the MOOC via our internal platform in addition to GEM's use of the the Future Learn platform. The MOOC provides a collaborative environment in which to test new learning methods adapted to topics such as digital transformations, and biogas or hydrogen technologies. The MOOC enables Air Liquide employees to increase their awareness on these topics and access scientifically valid information concerning current changes and technology," concludes Agnès.
Schneider Electric: a new partner
In 2017, Schneider Electric is one of the new partners for the MOOC New Energy Technologies. The group provided funding for the digital platform and shared its expertise via two experts. "Schneider Electric has recognized expertise on questions related to electric energy and automation for renewable energy producers, transformers and suppliers," explains Xavier d'Esquerre, head of training at Schneider Electric. "In terms of human resources, the MOOC enables a culture of self-education and meets demands for collaborative learning on a global scale." The MOOC will be launched right after the group's "learning week", which begins on May 15th. The group will be implementing an internal communication campaign to invite employees to participate in the MOOC.
MOOCs at Grenoble Ecole de Management
Grenoble Ecole de Management has been developing its free online course offer in order to share its expertise with the widest of audiences. Courses are available in the following fields: geopolitics, the politics and diplomacy of cooking and hospitality, future-driven business innovation, new energy technologies, the digital transformation of services and business, and saving and investing. The next upcoming MOOC will be the Global Studies MOOC on the topic of international relations, risks and threats. The MOOC is accredited by the EFMD and will begin on April 24th.
