One massive reason to teach online – lecturers transform education at the University

University lecturers will soon be able to share reading material, interactive quizzes and academic papers with learners online.

The School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) is pioneering the University's first Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which will give people of all ages the opportunity to take part in a unique, high quality, flexible and innovative learning experience.

There are no prerequisites for registering for any of the courses and education or academic background is not important – budding learners simply need an internet connection.

Almost 1,000 people from 52 countries across the globe, including Brazil, Ethiopia and Nepal, have already signed up to the first three MOOCs entitled Healthy Sustainable Diets, Health Inequalities and Health Technology Assessment.

Dr Michelle Holdsworth, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at ScHARR, said: "Our MOOCs offer a stimulating virtual learning environment which will give people from across the globe an interactive taster of the high quality education we have to offer. We hope that the flexible and engaging nature of the courses will nurture a community spirit amongst learners which will show them what higher education has to offer."

ScHARR is pioneering the University's first Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

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National institute keen to work with health researchers

Whether you’re an experienced or novice researcher, the National Institute for Health Research Sheffield Clinical Research Facility (CRF) is keen to work with you and invites you to an Open Day on 20 May. For registration details click here.

Drop in anytime between 2.30 and 6pm to the Clinical Research Facility, 0 Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Centre for Biomedical Research, Northern General Hospital.

This free event is open to all staff no matter what your role. Drop in to see the facilities, meet staff and researchers, learn about the benefits of medical research to future healthcare and join talks, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Pictured left: Research hope for diabetics.