www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 37
education. Many universities around the world have produced a vast amount of free content. There are things like iTunes U, which is Apple’s repository of learning resources, that’s available free of charge. Plus, there are massive open online courses (MOOCs) provided by organisations such as FutureLearn and edX, as well as a whole raft of open education resources on the internet.” If a company is in a position where
paying for continuing education is tricky then trawling the web to see what’s out there might provide the solution it needs. Convenience is considered, too. Many
organisations provide paid for online learning which takes into account other demands on the student’s time. People can study using a computer when it suits them. This means they don’t need to spend time away from their workplace studying on a university campus or training centre and so on.
Glasgow MOOCs and more Like most of the leading UK universities, the University of Glasgow offers its own MOOCs. And they are popular, this year being used by approximately 100,000 learners. It creates a lot of open education resources that it makes freely available, and its paid-for online
The biggest mistake any company individual can make in terms of continuing
education and training is not doing it” Similarly, the University develops
provision is evolving so that in the future people will be able to take a course or a full degree, dipping in and out as is best for them. The University’s Short Courses Unit
offers adult and continuing education courses covering most major languages, international politics and topics in science and so on. Approximately 6000 learners go through that programme every year. These elements are part of an overall
offer that’s constantly subject to review and refinement. “At the University when we develop our options we adhere to some basic rules, including making sure that they fit within our area of expertise,” said Frank. “Other drivers include public demand,
which particularly influences topics such as foreign languages. As I indicated, we get a lot of demand from people who have recently graduated and are starting employment but want to grow their language skills because of their job.”
options with external agencies. For example, one of its current MOOCs is part of a collaboration with the Royal palaces. It focuses on royal fashion over the ages and helps create interest in the nation’s cultural assets by linking to exhibits on display at the Royal palaces. In another case, the University is
exploring the possibility of providing a specific service to parts of south-east Asia. “They have an interest in geospatial mapping for environmental protection and that’s an area where we have expertise,” said Frank. “It’s possible we will end up running short courses there to upskill government and university staff. Coming closer to home, Neil
confirmed that anyone looking for options in west central Scotland is well served. “There are a great many education and training opportunities in and around Glasgow with the college and university networks. SDS has supported national initiatives like the
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