The University of Edinburgh has had a programme of MOOC offerings since January 2013, building on its expertise in online distance learning. The University of Strathclyde, the University of Glasgow, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Dundee are part of the UK-based Futurelearn partnership and each offers a range of courses. Many other institutions, including the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Open University in Scotland are leading the way in pushing open, online and distance education forward in Scotland.
MOOC developments involving partnerships between academic and non-academic organisations are now starting to emerge in Scotland. This offers exciting prospects for reaching new audiences.
Scotland is therefore extremely well-placed already in relation to open and online distance learning, and there are a number of possibilities that might emerge in relation to the MOOC phenomenon. Some key questions include:
MOOC developments involving partnerships between academic and non-academic organisations are now starting to emerge in Scotland. This offers exciting prospects for reaching new audiences.
Scotland is therefore extremely well-placed already in relation to open and online distance learning, and there are a number of possibilities that might emerge in relation to the MOOC phenomenon. Some key questions include:
- can MOOCs offer inclusive learning opportunities for communities and individuals in Scotland?
- is the MOOC a good vehicle for exporting Scottish Higher Education?
- how can the popularity and reach of MOOCs spark further innovations in Scotland in relation to lifelong learning?
- what return on investment do institutions gain in terms of reputation, recruitment and global reach?
- are MOOCs sustainable in the longer term as free courses?