Implemented in 2008, massive online open courses (MOOC) have a far-reaching effect and are still making waves five years on.

The University of Edinburgh's pilot MOOC exceeded 300,000 enrolments, with almost 90 per cent of applicants living outside of the United Kingdom. The demographics of students were varied - nearly a quarter of those who signed up were under 25 years of age, and among degree holders, over 40 per cent were postgraduates.

One key area in which schools can take further advantage of MOOCs is to have tie-ups with each other, especially where there is limited demand for specialist subjects. Geoff Gould, an e-learning executive at United Learning is confident that there is a bright future for MOOCs as they are an economically attractive answer in meeting the need to deliver a high quality, varied education in schools.

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