LONDON - The Institute of Education (IOE) at the London University launched its first MOOC (a massive open online course) today, hosted by the University of London on its Coursera platform.

A press release by the Institute stated that over 6000 people have already enrolled, mostly primary teachers, from 163 countries. 2,300 (41%) are from emerging economies, where courses of this kind need to make an impact if we are to tackle the teacher shortages in the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

The course is a collaboration between the Institute of Education and the UNESCO Institute of IT in Education.  The course team has instructors from 8 different countries.

It is designed as a professional development course for teachers, head-teachers, leaders and policymakers in primary education, but is open to all with an interest in this area.

The course provides up to 60 hours of resources and activities, an option of receiving a Verified Certificate, and/or a Statement of Accomplishment. The course description and enrolment is at https://www.coursera.org/course/ictinprimary.

The course is free and open to all, and runs from 27 May to 08 July 2014.