The study ‘Mapping and analysis of MOOCs and free digital learning for inclusion of migrants and refugees (MOOCs4inclusion)’ was tendered by the JRC-Seville (JRC-IPTS) as part of its efforts to produce targeted socio-economic research on ‘ICT for learning, skills and opening up education’ and ultimately to inform EU policy in this domain. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the question:

Are MOOCs and other free digital learning offers (including free mobile learning) effective and efficient ways for developing the skills needed by migrants and refugees for inclusion, integration, re- engagement in formal or non-formal education (e.g. via recognition of learning outcomes), employability and civic participation?

The projects aims to do this through:

• Finding and synthetizing recent research on the use of MOOCs and free digital learning by migrants and refugees in the EU and neighborhood countries.
• Identifying and analysing MOOCs and free digital learning initiatives which are specifically aimed at migrants and refugees in the EU or who potentially will be in the EU.
• Exploring the success factors and preconditions of MOOCs and free digital learning from the point of view of the learners and stakeholders responsible for the offer.
• Summarizing and interpreting all the information gathered so as to inform policymakers about the adequacy (or not) and possibilities of MOOCs and free digital learning offer for skill development of migrants and refugees for inclusion & integration, re-engagement in formal or non-formal education, employability, civic participation and other relevant issues.

This study comes at an important moment in Europe due to the transforming nature of education provision, the fast-evolving promise of ICT and digitization, and nascent societal and political concerns about Europe’s migrant and refugee situation, particularly linked to the recent influx caused by instability in Syria and the Middle East.