The OPEN Program offers free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are open to an unlimited number of participants. Some MOOCs are 5 weeks, and some are longer. Please carefully read the course description for each. Each MOOC is preceded by an optional orientation module.
English for Career Development (Self-Paced)
English for Career Development a five-module, self-paced MOOC. This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in advancing their careers in the global marketplace. In this course, you will learn about the job search, application, and interview process in the United States, while comparing and contrasting the same process in your home country. This course will also give you the opportunity to explore your global career path while building your vocabulary and improving your language skills to achieve your professional goals. In this course, you will review the job application process, learn strategies for identifying jobs that match your skills and interests, develop skills to produce a professional-looking resume and cover letter, and improve your networking and interview skills. This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.
Enrollment Opens: July 3, 2023
Course Starts: July 3, 2023
Enrollment Closes: September 18, 2023
Course End Date: September 25, 2023
English for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) (Self-Paced)
This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their English skills in the sciences. In this course, you will explore some of the most innovative areas of scientific study while expanding your vocabulary and the language skills needed to share scientific information within your community. In Module 1, you will learn how to preview texts and practice some of the language used to make comparisons when talking about global warming and climate change. In Module 2, you will examine the chemistry of climate change and the language of cause and effect. In Module 3, you will learn about some of the impacts of Climate Change and the language used to describe these effects. In Module 4, you will learn reading strategies that can help you explore the science behind some new energy systems. In Module 5, you will investigate practical advances in nanotechnology that help slow down climate change, while developing your own research skills in English. This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.
Enrollment Opens: July 3, 2023
Course Starts: July 3, 2023
Enrollment Closes: September 18, 2023
Course End Date: September 25, 2023
English for Journalism (Self-Paced)
This course is designed for non-native English speakers interested in developing the skills needed for a career in modern journalism. In this course, you will explore print and digital media while expanding your vocabulary and increasing your ability to research and develop local and global news stories. Module One will provide an introduction to the history and principles of journalism. In Module Two, you will learn how to research, pitch, and interview. Module Three will focus on the language for writing newspaper and magazine articles. Module Four will cover the basics of broadcasting the news. Module Five will focus on the growth, impact, and challenges of the digital media age. This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.
Enrollment Opens: July 3, 2023
Course Starts: July 3, 2023
Enrollment Closes: September 18, 2023
Course End Date: September 25, 2023
English for Business and Entrepreneurship (Self-Paced)
This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their language skills and knowledge of business and entrepreneurship at the same time. From identifying an opportunity to planning a persuasive pitch, this course will guide you step-by-step through the basic elements of starting up a new business. Through selected readings and video lectures, you will learn how to use market research to identify risks and opportunities. You will learn how to read and develop a business plan and how to find investors and financial support. Finally, you will learn strategies for making a pitch to present your business concept. This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.
Enrollment Opens: July 3, 2023
Course Starts: July 3, 2023
Enrollment Closes: September 18, 2023
Course End Date: September 25, 2023
English for Media Literacy (Self-Paced)
This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their language skills and knowledge of the media at the same time. In this course, participants will investigate how media has changed over time. They will explore the world of advertising and identify targeted marketing strategies, analyze sources, detect bias, and examine how diversity representation in media influences individual identity and society. This course provides the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of the role media plays in our lives while building the vocabulary and language skills needed to analyze what we read and watch. This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.
Enrollment Opens: July 3, 2023
Course Starts: July 3, 2023
Enrollment Closes: September 18, 2023
Course End Date: September 25, 2023
Creating and Implementing Online Courses (Facilitated)
This course is provided by Arizona State University and will give participants powerful tools to create and implement online courses for students. Using the ADDIE model for instructional design, you will first analyze (A) students, stakeholders, and objectives by writing a learner story. You will then design (D) a course outline and hybrid module framework. You will also develop (D) different learning assets, including formative assessments and a video script. Finally, you will create an action plan to demonstrate how you intend to implement (I) and evaluate (E) the online English language course you develop.
Enrollment Opens: July 17, 2023
Orientation Opens: August 14, 2023
Course Starts: August 21, 2023
Enrollment Closes: September 18, 2023
Course End Date: September 25, 2023
English for Media Literacy for Educators (Self-Paced)
English for Media Literacy for Educators (EML-E) is an exciting MOOC designed by George Mason University. The course will introduce you to the theory and practice of teaching about media literacy in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. Through informative videos and practical readings, you will explore approaches for teaching English for media literacy that are not only effective but engaging and enlightening. You will learn theory and strategies necessary for successful media literacy instruction for students of various ages and levels of English proficiency. In the media literacy education context you will also gain new ideas for teaching students how to analyze, critique and communicate their thoughts in English. In addition, you will gain useful knowledge and resources that you can share with your education colleagues and others who are interested in this critical 21st century skill – media literacy. Through regular participation in this MOOC, you will have the opportunity to share ideas with peers and apply course content to your teaching context. Get ready to learn about EML-E and be part of an international learning community with teachers around the world! This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.
Enrollment Opens: September 11, 2023
Course Starts: September 11, 2023
Enrollment Closes: November 27, 2023
Course End Date: December 4, 2023
Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement (Facilitated)
Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement (FSME) is an online course provided by the University of Oregon and is designed for English language educators or “participants” who want to improve their teaching practices and increase their students’ level of motivation and engagement in learning English. Participants will learn about key concepts and current practices related to motivation and engagement, student needs analysis, community building, differentiated instruction, collaborative learning, project-based learning, gamification and classroom games, formative assessment, and metacognition. Each participant will create a portfolio of activities and ideas that can contribute to increased student motivation and engagement for English language learning.
Enrollment Opens: September 18, 2023
Orientation Opens: October 16, 2023
Course Starts: October 23, 2023
Enrollment Closes: November 20, 2023
Course End Date: November 27, 2023
