UM’s first MOOC has been officially launched
The first massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the University of Macau (UM), entitled ‘Creativity’, was officially launched today (26 September). Students and Macao residents can access the free online course on the MOOC platform XuetangX.com. UM’s Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) Lionel Ni hopes that the course will help learners develop creative thinking skills amid an all-English learning environment. He says that the MOOC is open to learners from around the world, and represents UM’s effort to contribute to higher education in Macao and China by sharing quality education resources online.
The launch ceremony was held in Macao and Beijing simultaneously, with Lionel Ni officiating the Macao event, and XuetangX President Li Chao and Vice President Zhang Bo officiating the Beijing session. ‘This is a long-awaited historic moment,’ said Prof Ni at the ceremony. ‘UM has always dedicated itself to introducing the latest and best educational models into Macao and bringing inspiring teaching materials to Macao students. Launching a signature course on the MOOC platform represents UM’s effort to share its quality educational resources with learners from around the world.’
According to Li Chao, XuetangX reaches tens of millions of learners worldwide. UM is a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, so its MOOC is very attractive. He looks forward to seeing more MOOCs from UM to inspire learners around the world to find their directions in studies and in life. Zhang Bo mentioned at the ceremony that the UM team incorporated creative ideas in designing the MOOC, which has increased the appeal of the course, adding that the dedication of UM faculty members has ensured the quality of the course. So far, over 1,000 people from 12 countries and regions have registered for the course.
This MOOC aims to help learners cultivate creativity through a combination of short lecture videos, multiple-choice questions, online and offline communication, and interactive learning activities. Instructors of this MOOC are Prof Katrine Wong from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Prof Michael Li from the Faculty of Education, and Prof Davood Gozli from the Faculty of Social Sciences. A literature scholar, a theatre arts specialist, and a psychologist, the three instructors will guide learners through a challenging yet fun learning process.
The course is open to all, regardless of age, gender, educational background, experience, and knowledge of creativity. The course will conclude on 4 November. It is recommended that the learner spend three hours per week to complete the course. Those who are interested should visit https://www.xuetangx.com/courses/course-v1:UMX+CRT101+2018_T4/ about for registration.
