The Western Balkans Institute (WEBIN) successfully hosted two interactive Co-Design Workshops in Belgrade, Serbia, as part of the Erasmus+ AELIA project. The workshops, held on April 3rd and 5th, 2024, brought together 27 education stakeholders — from primary and secondary school teachers to university professors, adult educators, and representatives from non-formal learning, IT, and legal services — to collaboratively shape a new MOOC on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

Building a Shared Vision for a MOOC on ESD

Participants explored the MOOC framework, including its learning outcomes, pedagogical approaches, and content, in an atmosphere designed for open dialogue and creativity. The sessions began with ice-breaking activities, followed by an overview of the AELIA project and the goals of the MOOC. Divided into diverse groups, attendees critically examined the proposed course, shared their experiences, and offered practical suggestions.

The workshops revealed a strong enthusiasm for ESD, even among participants with limited prior experience in MOOC design. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of interactivity, inclusivity, and multimedia-rich content to engage learners across formal and non-formal settings. They also stressed the value of asynchronous learning and flexible course design, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.

From Insight to Action: Key Recommendations for the MOOC

The collaborative discussions generated actionable recommendations to guide the MOOC’s development. Participants emphasised the need for clear, ambitious, and achievable learning outcomes, a user-friendly structure, and engaging pedagogical formats. They also suggested integrating ethical perspectives, civic engagement, and international collaboration, while avoiding overly theoretical content or one-dimensional approaches. These insights provide a solid foundation for a course that can inspire meaningful change in education for sustainability across Serbia and the wider Western Balkans region.

The AELIA Co-Design Workshops demonstrated the power of collaboration, bringing together diverse voices to co-create educational tools that are both innovative and inclusive. With these insights, WEBIN and project partners are ready to refine the MOOC and ensure it meets the needs of educators and learners alike.