FutureLearn
Principal function(s): Autonomous learningGroup/pair work - outsidersIndividual workListeningReadingWritingVocabularyStudentYou SupplyWebsite/other users supply
FutureLearn is an online platform offering a wide range of Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on various subjects, including languages, taught by universities and institutions worldwide. They usually consist of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussions. Learners progress through modules at their own pace, with opportunities for interaction with instructors and fellow students such as online fora. At the end of the course, they can also obtain an official certificate from internationally renowned universities under payment. FutureLearn is free to use, although some courses are paid. Signing up for an account is required to enroll in courses and track progress. FutureLearn is owned by The Open University and was developed in partnership with SEEK Ltd.
Evaluation: FutureLearn is a valuable and versatile platform, offering courses across various disciplines, with content accessible for the duration of courses. Its engaging format provides interactive materials for self-paced study. FutureLearn is a fantastic example of how the internet can democratise access to quality higher education. Its interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, so basic IT skills are sufficient for its use.
Cost: Free. For each course, access to its materials is granted for its duration plus an additional 14 days. Paid options are available for unlimited access.
Website: https://www.futurelearn.com/
Categories
Type Of Interaction
- Group/pair work - outsiders
- Individual work
Skills
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Vocabulary
Content
- Website/other users supply
- You supply
Usability
Interface 
User-friendliness/complexity of the tool´s interface
Straightforward, neat.
Time efficiency Time needed for mastering the „how-to“ of the tool and a production of a task
Medium.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to
English
Respect for privacy Does the tool require registration? Who can see my data? Can I remain anonymous?
High. Future Learn only collects user data and cookies necessary for its functioning, and solely shares it with third parties for internal use. This data is thus not sold to advertisers on the website, but is rather used for circulating emails and notifications. Its privacy policy mentions data storage on secure servers. Future Learn’s privacy policy mentions the right to request deletion or removal of personal data. Future Learn complies with the GDPR. See more here.
Saving work for future use Possiblity to save your or others´ work for reuse/reproduction
Yes, users with an account can save courses and more.
Tailorability (If so, how?) Possibility of the tool to be used for a range of different activities (e.g. to what extent you can organize a project assignment with a central activity based on this tool)
User must follow the courses and complete the tasks before the deadline, yet there is no restriction of at what specific time you take the course.
Technical requirements
Compatibility/ Operating System
Other technical requirements