University of Mauritius launches iLearn, a MOOC platform based on the concept of Open Learning and Micro-credentials

Learn. Inspire. Lead – This is the motto of behind this new online capacity building platform of the University of Mauritius. This innovative technology, called XENOPS (now rebranded as XENED) is an advanced customization of Open EdX which is a well-known platform for the delivery of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

The University is championing the concept of micro-credentials based on blockchain technology where participants have the possibility to enroll on courses for free or for a small fee and will have the possibility to earn micro-credits that can be accumulated and transferred into recognized University credits.

The XENED platform provides functionalities to better monitor and track learner progress and provides a seamless and flexible online learning experience. The University has already identified a number of its online modules and open educational resources that would be offered through this platform. For the launching of the platform, an online course on Internet of Things will be offered for free to Mauritian and international participants as from September 2020. The course was developed as an open educational resource (OER) through the support of the Commonwealth of Learning.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Resources), Dr Santally highlighted: “The University of Mauritius has played a pioneering role in the development of education technology as an academic field and led by example in terms of capacity building of education practitioners and innovation in teaching and learning through technology. This initiative is another example of our broader vision to lead the digital transformation of education and opening up access to high quality training to build the workforce of the future in the country”

Mr Balaji Baradhazhvar, CEO of Crystal Delta Ltd further added: “We are proud to be associated with the University of Mauritius. It is a strengthening of our policy to promote Universities in small island states. We are already working with the University of South Pacific, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). We are particularly motivated with this partnership as it also entails research and innovation activities in the areas of blockchain and micro-credentials with the team at the UoM”

The courses that will be dispensed through this platform will relate to ICTs, Digital Literacies, Youth Work Development, Leadership Development, Human Rights and a number of other areas in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The University through its consultancy unit will also be engaging with the different stakeholders especially the private sector to mount customized online training for the upskilling of their staff. At the moment, most of the training is held through face-to-face training on campus. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Resources) mentioned that in the long term, the vision is to broaden this initiative into a massive capacity building platform that promotes continuous professional development at a National scale to accelerate the development of Mauritius into a knowledge society.