University to announce first free online course in September

Friday, 23 August 2013

The University of Reading can reveal that its first massive open online course (MOOC) will be offered by computer scientists from the School of Systems Engineering.

The name of the course will be announced in September when FutureLearn, the first UK-led provider of MOOCs, unveils its first set of courses. Reading is one of 26 leading UK and international universities and cultural institutions which together will provide MOOCs as part of FutureLearn.

The University of Reading's first MOOC will feature in FutureLearn's ‘Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths' section. Although enrolment will not begin until the announcement in September, anyone interested in taking a course can jump to the front of the queue by registering at Futurelearn.com.

To find out more about Reading's online courses, please see the MOOCs website here >>>

Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell said: "We are extremely excited by the prospect of launching our first MOOC. Students from around the world will have access to high-quality, research-led teaching and develop the very latest technological skills needed in a digital world."

There will be a workshop for staff interested in developing MOOCs at the end of the autumn term. The session will cover best practice in course design for FutureLearn and the lessons learnt so far.