The University of Wollongong has joined Australian massive open online course (MOOC) provider Open2Study, to deliver free online courses to the public.
The first UOW MOOC which will run for four weeks aims to provide comprehensive research and science-based information on some of the most commonly occurring health issues in the community.
“The first UOW Open2Study course is intended to give a taster to tertiary studies – particularly for those who are looking to boost their professional skills, are considering returning to study or just want to learn something new,” Sarah Lambert, manager for Open Education at UOW, said.
Professor Eeva Leinonen, deputy vice-chancellor (education), said UOW is delighted to be launching this free learning opportunity.
“It enables anyone interested in learning about common diseases to hear experts from our School of Medicine explain in accessible terms the causes, characteristics, treatment and prevention of diseases we are familiar with.
“This is part of UOW’s commitment to enabling access to high quality learning to all who can benefit, and to reach out to communities far beyond our campuses,” Leionen said.
Open2Study courses are split into four-week modules. Each module covers four topics, and each topic is taught with a series of short videos (usually about 5-10 minutes) with a quiz at the end of each topic.
There are also online discussion forums for discussing the materials, with online support by Open2Study’s professional online facilitators.
UOW plans to deliver a second MOOC early next year.
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