Hello there! To assure you an optimal learning experience along the course, we prepared some FAQs for you!
Who is this course for?
A: The MOOC «Urban Landscapes of Care» is oriented toward graduate and bachelor students in the disciplines of design, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or civil engineering who want to specialize in the design of inclusive public spaces for early childhood. Also, professionals working or planning to work in public management and urban development with an interest in inclusive urbanism that responds to the policy guidelines of «Early Childhood Development» can benefit from the course.
As a product of the Global Center of Spatial Methods for Urban Sustainability, promoted by the Technical University of Berlin and financed by the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, the MOOC is addressing scholars, professionals, and students from the global context. Although this MOOC is starting from the urban reality of the Peruvian capital, the city of Lima, all exercises and contents can be applied to other urban contexts.
What skills do I need to know before starting the course?
A: Spatial thinking skills and the ability to produce 2D or 3D representations are essential for the optimal completion of this course. Likewise, although it is not mandatory, it is recommended to have knowledge of 2D/3D drawing software and knowledge of graphic representation software.
No previous experience in Early Childhood Development is required before starting the MOOC, however, it is recommended to have the disposition to connect with the perspective of a young child and to imagine cities that take care of them.
What are the resources you need during the course?
A: In order to be able to take the course optimally, a laptop, a desktop computer or a cell phone with Internet access will be your perfect ally to easily access the content of this course. Also, in every weekly summary, we will inform you what other resources and materials you will need (e.g., sheets of paper, pens, etc.)
How does the evaluation of this course works?
A: Through practical quizzes, small exercises and discussion prompts, we will invite you to reflect and self-evaluate your personal learning process before getting to the evaluated assessments at the end of each week. There you will have to pass a graded quiz or realize a practical exercise.
In addition, at the end of weeks 4 and 6, there will be a Peer Review, a dynamic collective graded assessment in which you will evaluate the work of 3 of your peers, while they also evaluate your work. The Peer Review represents a milestone in the development of your project and of the course.
The Peer Reviews, the practical exercises as well as the evaluated quizzes are mandatory and you will need a minimum of 80% in order to continue in the course. For each graded assessment, you have 3 attempts to pass. If you fail more than three times, Coursera allows you to retake the exam after 8 hours.
How can I enroll to the course?
A: Please enter to the Link and follow the instruction for enrollment process: SIGN UP HERE
How to get a certificate?
A: To get an official certificate for the course you will have to pass all graded assessments with a minimum of 80%. This includes the design and development of a design project, in our case an Urban Landscape of Care for young children and their caregivers for your neighborhood.
Nevertheless we invite you to check on the Coursera conditions to get more information on getting a certificate. Also ask your university if the course can be validated for university credits!