Fast-track growth for social learning as The Open University builds on success of FutureLearn

• Further developments to build on the success of its pioneering social learning approach, with over 40% of learners on FutureLearn courses socially active and many more learning vicariously from observing others’ conversations;
• Making it even easier for learners to access courses, building on the platform’s ‘mobile-first’ strategy which has seen over 40% of learners take their courses on a mobile device;
• Increased internationalisation of the platform, with extra support for learners whose first language is not English;
• Developing its role as a provider of workplace learning, combining with major employers to provide learning solutions for staff;
• Improving the flexibility and availability of courses. For example, introducing longer windows for courses that will allow learners more opportunities to join at a time that is convenient to them, enabling a more flexible course schedule and greater support for learning with a cohort and in groups;
• Investing further in the tools to enable educators to create the best social learning experiences and to support the digital transformation of their businesses.

Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, Peter Horrocks, said:

“In just a few years, FutureLearn has grown its learner numbers rapidly and lived up to the OU’s historic mission of making learning open to all. The Open University’s investment in FutureLearn is a vote of confidence in UK educational innovation and the growing success of the platform. I call on all forward-thinking UK universities to join in with this commercial and pedagogical success story”.

FutureLearn was established by The Open University towards the end of 2012 as an extension of its mission to open up access to high quality education. The first courses went live in October 2013. Alongside other university partners, FutureLearn also works with leading centres of research excellence and specialist education providers such as the British Council, Creative Skillset and the European Space Agency.

Universities and Science Minister, Jo Johnson MP, said:

“Technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives and online learning presents a real opportunity to inspire and engage students. The UK has a world class higher education system and it’s great to see the UK also showing leadership in the development of online learning. The next phase of this exciting evolution promises to deliver a more engaging learning experience for students as well as economic benefits for the UK’s successful education sector.”