Taste of our own medicine

The launch of FutureLearn is timely (“UK’s latecomer to Mooc party aims to cut some rug with social moves”, News, 19 September). Despite being the home of The Open University, the UK has seen the likes of the US steal a march recently when it comes to distance learning.

Key to the success of massive open online courses here will be ensuring reliable assessment, as without it the validity and credibility of Mooc qualifications will continue to be questioned. The irony is that countries such as Sweden and Singapore, widely seen as leaders when it comes to assessment, are using technologies and practices developed in the UK. We need a taste of our own medicine. Learning habits and business needs are changing, so we must embrace change if we are to remain at the forefront of higher education.

Matt Wingfield
Chairman, E-Assessment Association
Managing director, TAG Assessment