The Coursera Leadership Team for the Asia Pacific region convened with key members of Alliance University’s academic and administrative staff. Organised by the Blended Learning Team, the high-level meeting aimed to review the utilisation of Coursera’s platform in the previous academic year and strategies for enhanced future engagement.

The session was chaired by Dr Priestly Shan Boaz, Vice-Chancellor of Alliance University, alongside senior academic leaders and the Coursera leadership team:  Mr Deepak Gupta, Director, Professional Services, Mr Himanshu Koshe, Vice-President, Professional Services; and Mr Jayanth Prakash, Enterprise Account Manager.

Comprehensive Review of Coursera Utilisation

The meeting featured an in-depth presentation on Coursera’s utilisation metrics during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data analytics showcased student engagement rates, course completion figures, and platform performance indicators, providing a robust foundation for evaluating the current blended learning environment. Future strategies were outlined to increase adoption and enhance the overall user experience.

Faculty Insights and Best Practices

Faculty members who actively integrated Coursera into their teaching shared valuable experiences, highlighting both the benefits and challenges encountered. The discussions provided practical insights into effective teaching strategies and areas requiring improvement. The commitment and innovation demonstrated by the faculty were lauded as pivotal to student success.

AI Integration and Future Tools

The Coursera Asia Pacific leadership proposed a specialised workshop to equip faculty with skills to utilise Coursera’s AI Builder tools. Interest in AI-enhanced learning technologies was widespread across various departments, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for innovative pedagogical approaches.

Addressing Student Engagement and Integrity

Critical challenges around student engagement with video content and assessment integrity were thoroughly discussed. Proposed solutions included implementing AI-based question banks to randomise assessments and employing online proctoring alongside lockdown browsers to safeguard exam security.

LMS Integration for Streamlined Operations

Plans to integrate Coursera’s platform with the university’s existing Learning Management System (LMS) were explored. This integration aims to automate the syncing of course scores and weightages, thereby reducing administrative workload and providing a comprehensive overview of student performance.

Return on Investment and Industry Alignment

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of measuring the return on investment from Coursera utilisation. Suggestions included mapping courses to relevant industry skills and job roles, and exploring potential pathways for internships or employment linked to course certifications.

Enhancing Student Motivation and Recognition

To bolster student engagement, initiatives such as recognising top Coursera learners as “Champions” were proposed. These students would be rewarded at university events and promoted via social media channels, serving as role models to inspire their peers.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The meeting concluded with a consensus on actionable steps aimed at reinforcing the blended learning framework at Alliance University. Key focus areas include faculty training on AI tools, improving student engagement, integrating LMS functionalities, and aligning course offerings with industry demands. These initiatives promise to enhance the learning experience, ensuring it is secure, efficient, and relevant to students’ career aspirations.