The government of Trinidad and Tobago has launched
knowledge.tt, the
first online educational initiative designed for an entire country. The nation
partnered with Khan Academy and Coursera to provide massive open online courses
(MOOCs) as a resource for hybrid and lifelong learning.
The initiative is part of the Coursera
Learning Hub program, which the MOOC provider started in 2013 to give the
global community access to free online courses and engage in blended learning.
Coursera is providing online courses, materials, and video programming in
Trinidad, which is setting up learning centers on the local University of
Trinidad campuses where students can get help from instructors.
“We wanted to work with groups that will
move the ball forward most quickly,” Lila Ibrahim, Coursera president, told the
BBC.
The focus of the initiative is using MOOCs
to provide skills for workers. The government is offering a certificate of
participation for individuals who complete one of the MOOCs and students are
eligible for an internship program that has more than 400 employers taking part,
according to a report by National Public Radio.
“You can learn as you earn and you can earn
more learning,” Fazal Karim, minister of tertiary education, told the BBC.
