Latin American Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are currently facing major challenges: (1) the number of students enrolled is growing exponentially, while the number of teachers is growing at a much slower rate; (2) teaching is no longer confined to the traditional classroom, and must live together with virtual programmes and blended models; (3) teachers need constant training to be up-to-date; and (4) there is a significant gap between the needs of the industry, and the training students receive in HEIs, which contrasts with rising unemployment rates in the Region. Therefore, it is time to rethink the way forward for HEIs in the Region, based on innovation in teaching-learning processes. The PROF-XXI project aims to build capacities for the development of Teaching and Learning Centres (TLCs) in the HEIs of the Region, taking into account the current educational context. To this end, (1) guidelines and models of TLCs will be developed around three axes: pedagogical, technological and strategic management; (2) 4 pilot TLCs will be installed in the 4 partner HEIs in Latin America, following these guidelines and models; (3) training will be provided to the professionals of the TLCs installed, being these TLCs the basis for the creation and development of Teaching Training Plans in the 4 Latin American HEIs.; (4) the Cooperation Network created in the project will serve to extend the creation of TLCs to other HEIs in the Region. In the short term, this project will improve the quality of education in Latin America, both in partner HEIs and in those which join the Network. This effect will be transferred to the whole of Latin American society through the quality training received by the professionals who graduate from these HEIs, and also through the possibility of replicating the capabilities created from the open materials generated in the project.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) face nowadays new opportunities and challenges arising from the evolution of educational technologies and from the new professional profiles demanded by the labor market. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) have been an opportunity and a challenge at the same time, allowing new ways of lifelong learning, and the provision of quality and open education able to reach even the most disadvantaged groups. The technologies and experience gained through MOOCs are also being used to improve teaching on campus through SPOCs (Small Private Online Courses). However, the MOOC movement, which emerged in the US and was enhanced by Europe, has little impact in Latin America, as it can be seen by the fact that Latin American HEIs are barely represented in the major MOOC initiatives.The MOOC-Maker project proposes to build management capabilities of MOOCs (and SPOCs) in Latin American HEIs so that they can offer quality courses aimed at improving access to teaching and learning programs in Latin America, and developing in students the skills and knowledge required in the 21st century. To do so, the MOOC-Maker project will create an intercontinental network between Europe and Latin America, where the experience, best practices, and success cases from European partners will be the starting point. In the short term, this project will upgrade the educational offerings, teacher training and support services from HEIs in Guatemala, Chile and Colombia, improving their teaching on campus, encouraging lifelong learning of alumni, and contributing to equitable access to education. This effect will be transferred to the Latin American society as a whole, promoting the acquisition of updated knowledge and skills, and promoting the employability of young people.