# Post-Digital Learning for Rural Development: A Case Study of _Open Biotec_ MOOCs in Colombia
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Relationship between the MOOCs and the Development Strategy of Biotechnology in the Region
#### 3.4.4 Meaningful Experiences Developed through _Open Biotec_  
Inside the _Open Biotec_ initiative, users who are pioneers in biotechnology training stand out. Several teachers from rural educational institutions disseminate biotechnology to the most remote communities of the department of Antioquia. These teachers have recognized the importance of a learning process that links knowledge, experiences, and methodologies to develop entrepreneurial skills in face-to-face spaces, adapted to the community's needs [104]. The _Open Biotec_ platform allowed the establishment of a post-digital learning community mediated by ICT, in which the appropriation of new teaching and learning technologies is evident. Figure 12 shows meaningful experiences developed through _Open Biotec_ with rural communities of Antioquia. They also consider how knowledge must materialize gradually to the physical space where to be applied. In that case, they have turned the training process into successful experiences involving the community in productive projects. With the realization of the Practical Work of each MOOC, the students apply the knowledge received in the resolution of different problems in their community, for example, the identification of agro-industrial residues to produce biogas as an energy source to cook. Some students used the lessons learned in the MOOC to implement a prototype for wastewater treatment in a sanitary landfill near the municipal school. In 2020, a student from La Ceja (Antioquia) decided to initiate entrepreneurship with coffee and local fruits to produce an innovative yogurt, using the knowledge learned in _Open Biotec_ in the bioprocess MOOC. Gradually, the evidence shows how MOOCs improve the quality of life of their members. Figure 12: Meaningful experiences developed through _Open Biotec_. Left: biogas production experiment with rural elementary students (2019). Right: Pilot implementation of the virtual formation in biotechnology with secondary students (2020). The main limitation of this study was a lack of access to the internet and end devices such as computers during the pilot test. However, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) of the Government of Colombia has a project to create 977 \"Digital Centers\" (spaces equipped with free wireless internet) in different rural areas of the department of Antioquia. Free internet access is expected to increase for these communities. The solution to this limitation will depend on the lasting commitment of the local government to maintain an optimal ICT infrastructure. Below we introduce the testimionials of three teachers from the department of Antioquia about their experiences spreading biotechnology in their communities. Experience 1. Biogas production from organic wastes. _\"In our institution, we use biotechnology as a solution to the environmental problems in our community. We formulated a project to produce biogas from pig manure as a didactic case study. Pig manure is a bulky residue in our community and is responsible for many environmental problems. So, we decided to develop a biodgester technology to teach science classes to students in the 4 th and 5 th grades of elementary school. The students learn in an integrated way: geometry, microbiology, physics (gas production and handling), environmental science, and chemistry. Currently, we extend the project to the entire community, where parents and other teachers participate. This significant pedagogical experience has transcended the classroom. The parents are now aware of the importance of biotechnology to generate renewable energy at a low cost and decided to replicate these biodgesters in their farms\"_. Experience 2. Bioremediation of soil and wastewater. _\"Our project initiates from an environmental problem in our institution. For a few years, we have been working with solid waste. We decided to go further to the final disposal in the sanitary landfill, where leachate and gases are generated.