Do Neets Need a MOOC? Pedagogical reflections from a national research project in italy
This paper aims to deepen the pedagogical perspectives at the basis on the creation of a MOOC (massive open online course), realized in order to promote the social and economical inclusion of young NEET (not in education, employement, or training). Today, the NEETs population is increasingly rising, and the Covid-19 crisis has further worsened this condition (Ilo, 2020). After the pandemic, NEETs rate increased by 1.2% across Europe, and Italy has the highest number of NEETS (29,4%) in the UE; the majority of whom are women (35%) (Eurostat, 2021) and with higher percentages in southern Italy. These young people live in a very different conditions and it is difficult to hypothesize the right answers for needs which emerge. Starting from a critical reflection about the NEET concept, this contribution want to present a heterogeneus MOOC structure, which is a pilot project to promote a training course useful for the development of transversal skills for social and occupational reintegration of NEETs. But why did we choose a MOOC? – It is a free and open course, and it is possibile to study materials and tools for contacting experts and other students; these types of courses often do not require a predefined level of participation and other types of prerequisites, apart from knowledge of the language in which the course takes place. – It is based on student self-organization according to learning objectives, prior knowledge and skills, and common interests. – It is flexible and fosters the customization in the use of the course related to time and space of participation; – It entails the indirect implementation of participants’ e-skills. The MOOC created, which is called MEET, lasts 5 weeks, but it is a flexible time, depending on the individual participant. There are seven tutors, because from literature it emerges that the mentoring and emotional, psychological and relational support seem to be winning and indispensable. Each course consists of 2 video, lessons, handouts, multimedia and open access materials, self-assessment tests, educational forums, discussion forums. An interesting aspect of these MOOC is the participation of teachers who come from a variety of backgrounds: academic teachers, voluntary organizations, and people professionals in the labor market. This activity is a part of a PRIN (Project of Relevant National Interest) named “RE-SERVES, which aims to better understand the intersection of vulnerability, marginality and education through the analysis and problematization of current educational practices in a variety of contexts both in and outside school.