Through WOU Academy, the university empowers fellow institutions with the expertise to design engaging, future-ready online courses.

Wawasan Open University (WOU) continues to cement its role as a pioneer in open distance learning (ODL) by enabling other universities to strengthen their digital education capacity. Its latest initiative — a two-day hands-on ODL workshop — showcased WOU’s expertise in guiding academics to create impactful, learner-centred digital courses.

Held on 29–30 July 2025 at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ) in Perlis, the workshop brought together more than 30 faculty members to develop self-instructional materials (SIMs) that prioritise learner engagement, accessibility, and assessment.

Interactive learning in action as Dr Dewi (standing, in black) assists a participant.

Led by Assoc Prof Dr Dewi Amat Sapuan, Director of WOU’s Centre for ODL Experiences (COLE), together with WOU’s digital learning designer Khoo Chiew Keen and user interface design specialist Leong Yin Ling, the sessions blended practical activities with instructional design strategies. Participants explored course planning, content chunking, assessment design, and digital tools before presenting their own sample course designs.

“This is more than just training — it is about sharing our expertise as pioneers in ODL and enabling fellow academics to innovate in a technology-driven environment,” said Dr Dewi. “By collaborating with other institutions, we aim to raise the standard of digital learning across the sector and ensure students everywhere benefit from engaging and accessible courses.”

Participants share a light-hearted moment as WOU’s digital learning designer, Khoo Chiew Keen (standing) facilitates the session.

The workshop was organised under WOU Academy, the university’s upskilling and reskilling arm established to serve working adults, professionals, and organisations. Through professional certifications, executive short courses, microcredentials, and customised corporate training, WOU Academy delivers flexible, industry-aligned learning that produces real workforce impact.

WOU’s user interface designer, Leong Yin Ling, guiding participants through the hands-on exercise.

By transferring its knowledge and proven approaches in ODL, WOU continues to play a pivotal role as an enabler, helping institutions and industries alike to navigate the future of education and digital transformation.

For more information about WOU Academy’s programmes or to explore collaboration opportunities, please visit WOU Academy.