Update on MOOCs and invitation to development workshop
Tuesday, 08 October 2013
ReadingÔÇÖs MOOC first to reach its initial subscription limit - in less than 24 hours of the launch
The University of Reading's first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), was a huge success. It was the first on the FutureLearn platform to reach its initial subscription limit - in less than 24 hours of the launch.
Reading's MOOC, Begin Programming: Building Your First Mobile Game course will go live on 28 October - part of the first wave of high quality MOOCs from 21 top UK universities all offered on the FutureLearn website owned by the Open University.
The seven-week course teaches the basics of Java programming to develop a simple computer game from scratch that can run on computer, Android phone or tablet.
The University has agreed to run the course for a second time in early 2014, and places are already filling up fast.
Thank you to all those involved in the development of our first MOOC and the other courses currently under development.
MOOCs provide a unique opportunity to show the excellence of our institution and share ideas with thousands of learners across the globe, and to be at the forefront of the FutureLearn project.
Want to know more or have an idea for a course?
Of course, we have yet to see the full impact of MOOCs and will continue to assess our engagement in FutureLearn to ensure the University is seeing the anticipated benefits.
However, assuming all goes to plan, we need to continue developing our collection of MOOCs by introducing new courses.
To that end, there will be a workshop on developing a MOOC held for members of staff who are either interested in seeing how a MOOC could work in their area, or already have an idea for a course.
The workshop will take place on:
Wednesday 27 November, 12-2pm in Room 128, HumSS
Bookings are available via CQSD (cstd@reading.ac.uk) or via Employee Self Service
Our portfolio of MOOCs is currently planned to include courses from the following schools and departments:
- International Study and Language Institute
- Henley Business School
- Walker Institute
- Chemistry, Food & Pharmacy
- Biological Sciences
- Agriculture, Policy and Development
More information about the University's MOOCs is available on the website below or you can ask questions on the open group "MOOCs general discussion" on Yammer. For further information, please contact the University's MOOC leads, Professor Shirley Williams or Professor Julian Park.