Peoples-uni timeline
Timeline – how Peoples-uni developed
| Date | Event | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Phase One | ||
| 2006 | Small team of colleagues in Manchester, UK explores idea for low cost public health capacity building in LMICs*. | Builds on opportunities presented by the advent of OER** and availability of an open online platform (Moodle). |
| 2007 | Situation analysis performed in six developing countries. | Few opportunities for master’s-level education in LMICs and large need identified.Focus on master’s level to develop future trainers to accelerate local workforce development. |
| 2007 | People’s Open Access Education Initiative (Peoples-uni) registered as UK charity. | Educational purpose stated, but no registration as formal educational provider. |
| 2007 | Small team worked with Royal Society for Public Health to develop curriculum and course structure. | Course based on previous experience of online learning and sound educational principles. |
| 2008 | Pilot Maternal Mortality module established on Moodle and run with 30 students in Africa and two tutors. | Positive experience and feedback. |
| 2008 | Volunteer tutors to develop course modules and IT support identified through networks. | |
| First six modules offered. | All modules ran to timetable, fully supported by tutors and IT support, student feedback was positive. | |
| 2009 - 2011 | Additional modules offered. | Certificates and diplomas awarded. |
| Phase Two | ||
| 2011 | Partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) commenced after modification of modules and addition of Dissertation - Master of Public Health (MPH) degree approved. | Large amount of administrative work to ensure compliance with requirements of a formal UK master’s level award. Tutors and students continue to increase in numbers. |
| 2013 | Partnership with MMU ceases after four semesters of student entry. Attempts to identify alternative university partner commence. | High quality of education acknowledged. Difficulty in finding alternative partner. |
| Phase Three | ||
| 2014 | Open Online Courses (OOC) site developed for free access to self-paced courses covering additional topics. | Offers topics not usually included in MPH programmes, and introductory public health courses. Hosting and development of courses for external partners. |
| 2015 - 2021 | Modules continue to be offered at master’s level. MPH awarded through Euclid University. OOCs continue to be developed and offered. | Quality assurance maintained and course development continues. |
| Closure | ||
| March 2021 | Peoples-uni closes and programme transferred to NextGenU.org |
* Low- to Middle-Income Countries
** Open Educational Resources
taken from: http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/3927