About the Masters in Online Teaching | Masters in Online Teaching

The Masters in Online Teaching is available globally and delivered entirely online. It offers you the unique opportunity to study the theory and practice of online and blended teaching through modules created by experts from The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology who are pioneering in the design and delivery of digital teaching, learning and assessment. You’ll study ways in which new media, innovative pedagogies and cutting-edge educational technologies can be used effectively and equitably, across multiple sectors, to engage diverse learners and meet their needs.

Diagram showing the structure of the Masters in Online Teaching

Compulsory modules

H880 Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures

60 credits, postgraduate, presents in February, annually

This module is for everyone with a professional interest in digital or technology-enhanced learning. It provides hands-on experience of a range of learning technologies and enables you to explore the processes of designing, implementing and critiquing elearning and the ideas that underpin these processes. You will use a range of social media and tool, learn collaboratively and undertake individual study. You’ll examine the use of technologies in different contexts and develop your skills in using evidence to recommend specific technologies. By the end of your studies, you will have developed your skills, knowledge and practice in relation to digital learning, teaching and training. All students who complete this 60-credit module successfully will qualify for the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching. the module is compulsory for our Masters in Online Teaching.

H890 Research and scholarship in digital education

60 credits, postgraduate, presents in October, annually

This module is a compulsory module in our Masters in Online Teaching but is also available as a standalone module. It supports you in developing research and scholarship skills appropriate to investigating online teaching, technology-enhanced learning and educational technology, while also pursuing your specialist interests. You’ll learn how to find, critically understand, interpret, and critically evaluate research relating to online, blended and technology-enhanced teaching, as well as learning assessment in diverse global contexts. You’ll also develop skills in planning rigorous, context-appropriate scholarship and research studies suited to evaluating the extent to which digital education is equitable and effective. The module is suitable preparation for doctoral study.

Optional microcredentials

HZFM882 Online teaching: evaluating and improving courses

15 credits, postgraduate, microcredential – presents in March, June and September, annually.

This 12-week microcredential will equip you with the skills you need to evaluate and improve your online courses. Designed for individual educators and trainers as well as learning institutions, this microcredential will support you to ensure the ongoing success of your online courses and technology-enhanced learning (TEL) provision, whatever your sector.

HZFM883 Teacher development: embedding mental health in the curriculum

15 credits, postgraduate, microcredential – presents in March, June and September, annually.

This microcredential offers educators from a variety of sectors and settings the opportunity to better understand the impact of mental health issues on learners. Growing numbers of students at schools and universities are experiencing mental health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened anxiety and stress for many learners of all ages – especially those facing a significant change to the way their education is delivered. With guidance from global teaching experts with decades of experience in supporting learners with mental health problems, you’ll learn how to apply inclusive teaching strategies that support students’ mental health and help them to develop resilience in the modern world.

HZFM884 Online teaching: accessibility and inclusive learning

15 credits, postgraduate, microcredential – presents in March, June and September, annually.

This microcredential provides teachers and professionals working in education with the skills to understand, design, and deliver online learning that is accessible and inclusive. Under the guidance of online teaching experts at The Open University, you’ll develop the pedagogical, technological, procedural, and legal knowledge you need to enhance the accessibility of your online courses.

HZFM885 Online teaching: embedding social, race and gender-related equity

15 credits, postgraduate, microcredential – presents in March, June and September, annually.

Equality is recognised as giving an individual or group of people the same resources or opportunities in order to succeed. However, equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates appropriate resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. This microcredential will give you an understanding of the differences between equality, inclusion and educational equity, and of the ways equitable participation in online learning can be provided in different learner contexts.

Coming soon: HZFM889 Teacher development: addressing the climate emergency