Adelaide University massive free online courses hit million enrolments
Workers wanting an edge in the job market and people with spare time have enrolled in big numbers to free courses at Adelaide University. And the uni is keeping music live.
Tertiary
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tertiary. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Fancy a bit of Shakespeare, perhaps a look at essential human biology, or maybe cyber warfare is more to your taste.
If you’re keen to know more, you wouldn’t be alone. There have been more than one million enrolments by people delving into Adelaide University online courses to brush up on skills or just learn about something that interests them.
During COVID-19 restrictions, there has been a surge in enrolments as people use short courses to beef-up job and career prospects or simply have spare time to pursue their interests.
“The million enrolments is a milestone we were super keen to hit, that’s a huge impact in terms of learners who are engaged with the university,” said Ali Ogilvie, associate director of the university’s online programs.
The massive open online courses are free, but about 10 per cent of participants pay to have their work assessed and earn a certificate.
Prices range from about $100 to $300, depending on the course and whether marking is by a person or the software.
“It is a revenue stream for the university, even if not a major one,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“And it’s a branding and reputation exercise because it encourages learners to think of Adelaide University.
“If they have a small but positive interaction with us then hopefully they will then consider us for their full on-campus experience.”
Some of the 804,000 people have done multiple courses, which has pushed the cumulative total since courses began in 2015 above one million.
The US has the highest number of enrolments, followed by India, Australia, the UK and Canada. The university cannot directly feed into China because of YouTube barriers.
Meanwhile, a COVID-19 decision to switch the university’s Elder Conservatorium concert series to online has won bigger audiences.
Online views have reached 80,000 with live and archive streaming.
Jazz musician Ciara Ferguson said it was “really cool to have made the concerts more accessible to people”.
“It was a bit strange, because part of playing jazz is that after each solo you usually have the audience clapping and you get that vibe,” she said.
“So I just try to imagine people listening at home.”
The next concert is on Friday, with Joshua Oates on oboe and Michael Ierace on piano.