Navigation

Related Articles

Filter by Category

Filter by Author

Back to Latest Articles

I first came across the term MOOC (which stands for Massive Open Online Course) when I went to a conference in 2015 where they were encouraging Sixth Form students to do a MOOC so they could write about it in their personal statements as part of a university application. The MOOCs, which are created by universities, demonstrate an interest in a subject and, hopefully, makes your application stand out from the crowd.

Over the years since that date we have promoted MOOCs to students within the Sixth Form, staff and More Able students.
The courses you sign up for are free – although you do have the option to pay for a certificate at the end of the course – and last over a variety of time lengths ranging from 2 weeks in length to 6 weeks.
There are a huge range of subject areas to choose from within the 14 different categories:
Having encouraged many others to complete a MOOC, I was inspired by Mr Newbold who spoke very eloquently about the MOOC he completed on soil. I therefore embarked on my own MOOC last summer. Having regretted for many years that I did not take history as an option for GCSE I decided to pick a history course and started a 6 week course on the history of Richard III. I am ashamed to say I only managed to get halfway through the course and did not get the satisfaction of completing it fully.
So, I have decided now is the time! I would like to encourage, nay CHALLENGE, students, parents, carers, teachers, associate staff, governors and trustees to use this time whilst we are socially distancing/self-isolating/shielding to choose and complete a MOOC!
To explore the MOOCs on offer please visit: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses
I will keep you posted on my own learning journey as I choose and start a MOOC and would love to hear your stories as well. If you start a MOOC please do email me to let me know on [email protected]
Good luck!
Mrs Ash

Related Articles

Psychology’s silver linings during this time
Wellbeing

Psychology’s silver linings during this time

We are in the midst of a global paradigm shift, as the impact and status of the COVID-19 virus evolves daily. As the world faces uncertainty, fear and anxiety are heightened and...

Posted on by Chloe Lister
My MOOC Journey – Week 5
Distance Learning

My MOOC Journey – Week 5

This week’s focus was on the reign of Elizabeth I which took in the events such as the Spanish Armada and the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. It has been great to hear...

Posted on by Sara Ash - Deputy Headteacher