Massive Open Online Course

Circular economy for everyone

Circular Flanders is launching two free online courses (MOOCs) on the circular economy. (Only available in Dutch for now)

The first course provides a broad introduction to the circular economy and is suitable for everyone. You can learn at your own pace about what the circular economy is and why it is important.

The second course is specifically for teaching staff in secondary education and offers practical tips and methodologies for integrating the circular economy into educational practice. In this way, we provide the right tools to incorporate relevant circular themes into every programme of study.

Within the C-MARTLIFE project, the team at Circular Flanders, together with OVAM, commissioned the development of 2 digital MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses) on the circular economy. Developing a MOOC on the circular economy is a strategic choice to disseminate knowledge widely and accessibly. In this way, we support the sustainable transition by, among other things, inspiring and enabling education professionals to integrate circular economy principles into their practice. This aligns with the broader policy objectives of Circular Flanders.

Digital and autonomous learning environment

The MOOC format makes it possible to reach far more people than through traditional courses. The MOOC is accessible: participants can follow the course at their own pace and independent of location. This increases its impact and enables the circular economy to be disseminated widely. MOOCs are digital, free of charge, and can be followed autonomously. This is in line with the trend of digitalisation and makes it possible to serve a large number of participants without human intervention. ​

The basics

Who is it for?

The general MOOC on the circular economy is intended for a broad audience. This means that anyone with an interest in the circular economy – regardless of background or sector – can benefit from this course. The aim is to provide a solid foundation of knowledge so that participants can implement it in their own work or environment.

Specifically, the MOOC is useful for:
  • Anyone who wants to understand what the circular economy is and why it is important.
  • Individuals who wish to apply circular principles within their organisation, company, association or personal life.
  • Policymakers and staff working in public authorities, businesses and non-profit organisations.
  • Students and teachers who want to gain foundational knowledge of the circular economy.
  • Anyone wishing to prepare for more in-depth learning, for example through the second MOOC, which is specifically focused on education.

Start learning!

For education professionals

Who is it for?

This MOOC is designed specifically for teaching staff in secondary education. This includes:

  • Teachers, lecturers and professors in higher education (colleges, universities) and adult education.
  • Educational support staff involved in curriculum development and the integration of the circular economy into educational practice.
Specifically, the MOOC is useful for:
  • Practical tips and methodologies: The MOOC provides concrete tools and didactic methodologies to integrate circular economy into lessons and the broader curriculum.
  • Inspiration from the education sector: Participants receive inspiring examples and testimonials from colleagues who have already successfully applied circular economy principles.
  • Tailored tracks: The MOOC is split into different tracks (economic, technical), ensuring the approach aligns with various fields of study.
  • Competence-based learning: The MOOC aligns with the competency framework of Duurzaam Educatiepunt (Sustainable Education Point) and the GreenComp model, enabling participants to learn how to develop and assess circular economy competences.
  • Immediately usable materials: After completion, participants can develop and upload their own action plan, enabling them to embed circular economy principles concretely within their educational practice.

Start gathering teaching materials!

The assignment was awarded to the consortium VUB - UHASSELT - VITO - werecircle. A steering committee was established, consisting of partners from the sustainable education and wider education sectors.

Our thanks go to VUB, UHASSELT, VITO, werecircle, the Department of Education, Duurzaam Educatiepunt, the Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation and Social Economy - Policy Division for Work and Social Economy, LUCA School of Arts, UCLL and Odisee.

C-MARTLIFE

cmartlife logo

C-MARTLIFE

OVAM leads the EU project C-MARTLIFE -Circular Material Approach on Residual Waste Targets and a Litter-Free Environment- which is part of the EU LIFE programme and runs from 2020 to 2027. The EU LIFE instrument supports initiatives that implement and accelerate policy in the fields of climate and environment. Particular attention is given to capturing best practices so that developed initiatives can later be replicated in other EU regions and knowledge can be disseminated. 

More information about the C-MARTLIFE project