Launch of the first Welsh medium MOOC course

The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol has launched the first Welsh language Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

The course "Language awareness in the field of Social Work" has been commissioned by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol in co-operation with the Care Council for Wales. The course was developed in direct response to feedback by social workers who had identified specific linguistic practice needs. 

The course is worth 10 university credits, and lecturers at Cardiff, Bangor, Swansea Universities and the Open University plan to use the resource as from October 2015 as part of the Social Work degree course. 

The MOOC is an open access online course through the Coleg's e-learning portal - Y Porth - and on a world-wide portal, Blackboard Open Education. 

Building a community for Welsh learners 

One of the specific advantages of learning a module on the MOOC is the ability to target students who are less confident of their grasp of the Welsh language. Since this is a less formal method of learning, proof of linguistic ability is not required before commencing the course.

As well as traditional course materials such as videos, readings and presentations, the CAEA will be providing interactive forums which will help build a community for learners. 

Increasing opportunities in Welsh 

Launching the course, Professor Mark Drakeford AM, the Minister for Health and Social Services said: 

"Providing health and social services in Welsh is inextricably linked to providing high-quality, safe and compassionate care and is crucial when people, particularly older people, children and those with dementia or mental health issues, are at their most vulnerable.

I am extremely encouraged by the work the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol has undertaken to support health and social services to maximise opportunities for the Welsh language."

For more information, please contact the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.