OpenLearn stands as a beacon in the world of online education, attracting approximately 13 million visitors annually from across the globe. Whether you’re seeking a brief two-minute exploration of a topic or an immersive 24-hour learning experience, OpenLearn offers a wealth of resources entirely for free. This platform embodies the spirit of Open Learn, providing accessible education to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
As a pioneering initiative from The Open University, OpenLearn is at the forefront of delivering high-quality open educational resources on a massive scale and across a broad spectrum of subjects. It champions the principle of open learn by removing barriers to education and making learning materials freely available. Designed with accessibility in mind for all learners, OpenLearn has become a treasure trove of educational content, having served over 115 million visitors worldwide to date.
Launched in 2006, OpenLearn began as a two-year experimental project to explore how The Open University could embrace a more open approach and to understand the advantages of open learn for learners, educators, and the university itself. It has since evolved into a core activity that supports both informal learners and Open University students. Countless individuals who have engaged with the free courses on OpenLearn report gaining the confidence needed to embark on formal academic study, highlighting the empowering nature of open learning.
OpenLearn continuously adapts to the global demand for free and relevant higher education, providing opportunities for individuals to pursue studies they might not otherwise have access to. The platform currently hosts around 35,000 pages of valuable resources, encompassing over 900 courses and totaling 10,000 hours of study material. OpenLearn’s mission is clear: to reach everyone who needs free access to higher education and to promote open learn principles worldwide.
The platform covers a diverse array of subjects from The Open University curriculum, including engaging factual content related to current events. Users can easily navigate the vast resources by filtering content based on format – such as courses, interactive activities, articles, videos, and collections – or by exploring subjects, skills for study, and skills for work. For those looking for popular starting points, OpenLearn features a ‘most popular’ content section, including the ‘Being an OU Student’ course, specifically designed for students preparing to begin their first Open University undergraduate module, ensuring a smooth transition into open learning.
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OpenLearn Data Highlights showcase the platform’s significant impact. In the academic year 2023-24 (August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023), OpenLearn recorded 11.8 million visits, and a total of 15.8 million across all OpenLearn products. The platform’s cumulative visitor count has surpassed 115 million. The year 2023-24 also marked a milestone with course enrollments exceeding one million for the first time in four years across approximately 900 courses, which now include over 80 badged courses. An impressive 51,000 digital badges were awarded, recognizing learners’ achievements in open learning. OpenLearn’s global reach is evident in its visitor demographics, representing over 120 countries, with 52% originating from the UK, and the US and India ranking among the top three.
For a more in-depth look at OpenLearn’s accomplishments and future directions, the OpenLearn 2024 Annual Review is available for download, providing further insights into the world of open learn.
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To learn more about OpenLearn’s identity and activities, explore these informative videos about OpenLearn. For additional information, please contact [email protected] and join the global community of open learners today.
