An online learning environment that opens new possibilities beyond the classroom

Established professional development offering

The University of Pretoria has positioned itself at the forefront of skills enhancement opportunities and continuing professional development (CPD), formalising its professional development offerings in 2000 through campus entities such as Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

In this way, the University enables continued, specialised training for any professional to maintain and improve their professional competence, enhance career progression, keep abreast of technological advances and industry practices, while also complying with professional regulations.

Beyond the classroom

Recognising that many professionals would like to continue honing their knowledge and skills, but often struggle to find the time to attend formal lectures, the University has consolidated all its online skills development offerings under one umbrella: Professional Online Development (POD).

POD provides skills development training through intensive, collaborative and focused learning opportunities in an online environment that not only optimises on global participation, but also advantage of the lifelong learning opportunities presented by UP’s experts beyond the classroom.

Available anywhere, at any time

Underpinning the strength to encapsulate real-time engagement, develop hybrid learning possibilities and meet an ever-growing demand for online learning – as key components of UP’ hybrid model of teaching and learning – the POD offering includes open education resources (OERs) and various online short courses that are available anywhere, at any time.

	Open Education Resources (OERs)		Online Short Courses		Open Online Courses		Online CPD
Freely accessible resources for teaching, learning and assessment purposes made available through collaborative research initiatives.		General, specialised and executive online learning programmes, including credit-bearing modules.		Free online learning programmes open to anyone.		Short courses and online activities that can be completed for CPD points.
UPSpace		Enterprises University of Pretoria		Enterprises University of Pretoria		Enterprises University of Pretoria
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Establishing communities of practice

Participants in many online and blended learning options often feel part of a more tightly-knit group with a common goal: creating a community of practice. This refers to how people (often those in professional settings) learn through daily social interactions and practices, rather than by focusing on situations intentionally set up.

Interaction and engagement in activities or discussions are part and parcel of the online experience. Communities of practice develop through a shared collection of experiences, stories and best practices to solve problems that are either encountered during learning interventions, set by course presenters or in their respective professional settings.

Building a professional portfolio much quicker

PODs also present professionals and postgraduate students with an opportunity to gain specialist insights in a much shorter time than traditional teaching and learning formats. The comprehensive range of online training courses for both professionals and individuals with the aim of self or career development. With various online short courses, open online courses (free enrolment for the public) and online CPD courses, a full range of PODs can be accessed by enrolling online and completing courses through UP’s online learning platform.

For more information on the full online short course offering, visit www.enterprises.up.ac.za/pods or call +27 (0)12 434 2500.