Open Learning
- Laura McCormick
- Oct 18, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Open learning is a revolutionary way to share information around the globe. By using open learning platforms, individuals can access materials from almost every professional and academic field. Initiated by MIT in 2001, open learning platforms have grown to offer thousands of classes, reaching every corner of the world, and are inspiring self-learners to seek more knowledge on their own terms. Since the introduction of open learning, over 35 million people have explored course content provided by MIT online (Bonk, 2011). Open learning platforms give users free, flexible access to quality educational materials, and support the betterment of societies on a universal scale.
As a leader in the development of open learning, MIT is the first education technology I would recommend for distance learners. Through a Creative Commons license, MIT OCW gives users the ability to browse, download, and use more than 2,500 MIT on-campus resources and supportive materials (MIT Open Learning, n.d.). Registering is easy, peasy! Simply find a course you want to study and enroll. Looking for supplemental material on a subject you are already interested in or currently studying? They have that too.
MIT provides the following free resources:
Online courses from MIT faculty
Professional and academic credentials
Online library
Educational materials from MIT courses
Professional development courses
Blended learning experiences
Click below to learn about MIT Open Learning's Mission & Purpose.
OpenLearn from The Open University is an open learning platform that can be used to enhance adult education. OpenLearn offers more than 1,000 free courses, videos, interactives, and more (OpenLearn, n.d.). Completing these courses gives users the ability to earn Digital Badges or Statements of Participation to track progress and boost employability (OpenLearn, n.d.). Boasting partners like Google, the Department for Education, and NSC Global, The Open University is designed to support open education on a global scale. By providing university-level study material for over 100 million learners since 2006, OpenLearn is a leader in education (OpenLearn, n.d.). Account users must be 13 years of age or older and have a web accessible device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
OpenLearn provides free courses in:
Money & Business
Education & Development
Health, Sports & Psychology
History & The Arts
Languages
Nature & Environment
Science, Maths & Technology
Society, Politics & Law
Digital & Computing
Click below for a brief introduction to OpenLearn from The Open University.
One way I would incorporate MIT OCW and OpenLearn is by encouraging my students to seek out lectures, notes, or videos from the platform that align with the subject material we are studying in class. This encourages them to find additional resources and engage with a global community of learners, and gives them the ability to add additional knowledge to the classroom. Another way I would utilize MIT OCW and OpenLearn is by asking each student to complete one class, training module, certification, or development course outside of their field of study, for an extra credit opportunity. This encourages students to expand their knowledge in other areas and develop outside-the-box thinking in the classroom.
References
Bonk, C.J. (2011). The world is open: How web technology is revolutionizing education. Jossey-Bass.
MIT Open Learning. (n.d.). MIT open courseware. https://openlearning.mit.edu/courses-programs/mit-opencourseware
OpenLearn. (n.d.). Home: Get inspired and learn something new today. The Open University. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
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