Coronavirus drives spike in online learning, as more people opt to stay at home

Chief executive and founder Elspeth Briscoe says: “It’s notable that the top five downloaded apps from the appstore in China this week are all online learning-related.

“We’ve seen an exponential increase in our web traffic over the last two weeks, which is likely to be related to people spending more time at home and using that time to learn new skills.”

Learning with Experts has teamed up with Professor Sir Muir Gray, former Chief Knowledge Officer for the NHS, to create wellbeing online learning programmes.

Briscoe explains: “We have sped-up our online learning programme on wellbeing, to ensure that anyone who is isolated and has time alone at home, has the choice to use their time constructively and positively.”

Professor Sir Muir Gray is based in Oxford. Pic: Stephanie Trowell/Learning with Experts

The Professor’s online programme which aims to help over-60s live longer and better, goes live next week.

He says: “I believe the right processes are being put in place so far to react to the virus. As we progress into the delay phase, we’ll begin to see more of our population self-quarantine and work and study from home.

“For older people especially, this has the potential to be isolating. Thankfully, we’re now in a position where being physically isolated, doesn’t have to mean that you’re socially cut off, and I’d advise people to use this time wisely.”

His course includes topics such as understanding fitness and he teaches students via video lessons filmed at Oxford University’s Green Templeton College.

Students are grouped into small cohorts, regardless of where they are geographically based. Through six in-depth lessons, they learn online and are encouraged to take part in and share assignments with the rest of their group via video or photos, while receiving feedback from the tutor.

Muir’s course also examines issues such as ‘Understanding the Changing Brain & Mind & Increasing Cognitive and Emotional Wellbeing’.

Filming for the Professor’s online course. Pic: Stephanie Trowell/Learning with Experts

Learning with Experts tutors also include Michelin-starred chef and cooking expert Michel Roux Junior, whose teaching programme launched this week.

Others include vegan chef Kirk Hayworth, Shane Connolly who designed the flowers for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding, and Piet Oudolf, the landscape designer behind London’s Olympic Park. There are also courses in gardening, food and drink, antiques and photography.

About the Author

Gill Oliver

Gill Oliver is a professionally trained journalist who’s written for The New Statesman, The Bureau for Investigative Journalism, The Daily Mail’s business section This is Money, The Press Association, The Huffington Post plus a host of national magazines, news agencies and trade and industry journals. She’s also spent nine years reporting on the Oxfordshire business and tech scene for The Oxford Times and The Oxford Mail.