ABSTRACT

Technology disruptions and other factors have caused unprecedented change in workplace arrangements, necessitating individuals and institutions to invest in continuous learning for increased economic value. The World Bank Group (WBG) has invested significantly in digital and blended development learning through an open, interactive, and virtual ecosystem called the Open Learning Campus (OLC). The OLC’s potential to support continuous learning and to build skills to prepare for future job opportunities and workplace settings in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are considerable. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are a major catalyst of such societal changes due to their broad global reach and democratization of knowledge. Lessons from delivering MOOCs for global audiences on development topics are highlighted as they have wider applicability for learning providers. In the past, MOOC topics from the World Bank have included climate science to action, digital technologies, managing risk for development, citizen engagement, financing for development, public-private partnerships, and the future of work. Next up are MOOCs on maternal health and learning to realize education’s promise.