From the Vice-Chancellor

Volume 8 Number 10 October 8 - November 11 2012

The future of learning

Late last month, Melbourne became the first Australian university to join the international online course provider Coursera. 

This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) provider is an e-learning platform that makes extensive use of short video lectures, interactive content and a global community of peers. Coursera offers free subjects to anyone, anywhere in the world with a computer and Internet connection.

Melbourne is joining other globally significant universities in Coursera, including Stanford and Princeton, which already offer more than 120 subjects online to more than 1.3 million students around the world. 

The University of Melbourne expects to offer around 10 subjects through the site by the end of 2013, ranging from macroeconomics and animal behaviour to epigenetics. 

Universities worldwide face a time of unprecedented change with the rise of online education providers and the expanding possibilities of technology.

Melbourne is well placed to join such a multi-national learning hub like Coursera, because its courses were redesigned in 2008 to more closely align with the way in which university courses are delivered internationally. 

In changing the way degree programs are delivered, the University of Melbourne confirmed a commitment to leadership and innovation in higher education.

Students at Melbourne complete an undergraduate degree which is usually three years of full-time study which gives them a solid foundation before they progress to a professional graduate degree, a research degree or move straight into the workforce.

Because this course structure mirrors best practice around the world, degrees are transferable and internationally recognised, giving them the flexibility to enter a range of careers nationally and internationally. The link with Coursera enhances that flexibility.

The past year has seen an explosion of interest in online opportunities like Coursera, which will challenge some traditional ways of delivering education.

The University has further plans to develop its e-learning tools so students – wherever they may be – have access to the latest learning technologies. 

This international outlook, which informs the University’s teaching and learning, is part of the reason Melbourne has joined Coursera. It offers a welcome chance to contribute to the international community as teachers as well as leading researchers.

The University is looking forward to being at the forefront of those developments and others which, together, will help map the future of learning. 

 

Glyn Davis
Vice-Chancellor