Free Can Be Fantastic – Part One

Hi there!

The information contained in this blog will be divided into two parts, the second of which will appear in the coming week.

Last week I introduced you to Future Learn by The Open University; well today I want to tell you more about another path to free learning from The Open University called Open Learn, as well as another organisation that offers free online courses- Alison. See https://alison.com.

Alison describes themselves as ‘the original MOOC’(massive open online course), and is:

‘a five-million-strong, global online learning community, filled with free, high-quality resources to help you develop essential, certified workplace skills.’

According to Wiki, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALISON_(company), Alison stands for; Advance Learning Interactive Systems Online.

I have no experience of using Alison’s courses, so I cannot vouch for how good they are. The information provided here is a start. I will always recommend that you do your research before you start studying. These days we are fortunate to have access to the internet and are able to search for reviews or complaints about all kinds of goods and services.

From the information given on their website, and a promotional video, Alison started in Galway, Ireland and offers courses that are flexible and can be studied at your own pace wherever you are. They have over 750 courses on offer including diploma courses, free courses, languages, digital courses and courses for personal development. Students are assessed throughout the course and have the option of purchasing a certificate.

An organisation that I do have experience of – The Open University, see http://www.open.ac.uk/

According to The Open University‘s Former Vice-Chancellor, Martin Bean:

‘The Open University’s mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas.

We promote educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.’

I studied for my degree with The Open University and agree that the people who I studied with came from all walks of life, all ages and nationalities.

The Open University has always been proud of their great resources, which is evident in their factual programmes made with the BBC; such as Secret History of Our Streets. They have now started working with other broadcasters.

Take care

Tricia