The US Department of State has announced a free online course on improving English language skills and knowledge of the media for non-native English speakers.
“The US Department of State is sponsoring a free Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) for non-native English speakers interested in improving their English language skills and knowledge of the media at the same time”, according to a US Embassy in Dhaka statement issued on Sunday.
This course is offered by the Online Professional English Network (OPEN), a US Department of State initiative, and is administered by FHI 360, a U.S.-based nonprofit human development organisation.
At the end of this course, participants will be able to analyse media messages and evaluate positive and negative aspects of social media. They will be able to identify marketing strategies in use, recognise bias in the media, and analyse diversity representation in mass media.
In this course, participants will investigate how media has changed over time, explore the world of advertising and identify targeted marketing strategies, analyse sources to detect bias, and examine how diversity representation in media influences individual identity and society.
This course provides the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of the role media plays in our lives while building the vocabulary and language skills needed to analyze what we read and watch. The MOOC is self-paced, meaning participants will study independently, without facilitation from an instructor.
Enrollment is currently open. Participants may enroll in this course until April 20, 2021.
After enrolling, participants may log in at any time — day or night — to access the course. All the modules of coursework must be completed by April 30, 2021.
Participants who complete the required activities with a score of 70 per cent or higher will receive a digital badge and certificate. This “English for Media Literacy” MOOC is designed for non-native English-speakers interested in improving their language skills and knowledge of the media.
To enroll in the course, visit the following website: https://www.canvas.net/browse/fhi/courses/english-for-media-literacy
This “English for Media Literacy” MOOC is one of many initiatives the U.S. Mission in Bangladesh is supporting this year to promote greater cooperation, dialogue, and mutual understanding between Bangladeshis and Americans.
For more information about other MOOCs offered through the U.S. Department of State’s Online Professional English Network (OPEN), please visit: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC.
Online Professional English Network (OPEN) is a US Department of State initiative aimed at improving English-language skill acquisition by teachers around the world and fostering cultural understanding between American citizens and those of other countries.
