LEARNING ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS THROUGH UiTM FUTURE MOOC

Abstract

The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is a new online learning platform that provides training beyond the classroom based on casual and social learning. Current learning methods that use PowerPoint slides usually bore students who would easily lose focus on their learning. MOOCs provide a new era of learning style with various learning methods. Using attractive notes with the aid of video, animation, and a variety of activities to promote a better learning environment adaptively. It is accessible anytime, anywhere, and gives flexibility to students in managing their learning routine. Therefore, UiTM Perak (Tapah Campus) has taken an initiative to implement MOOCs in one of the diploma subjects which is “Introduction to Actuarial Mathematics†(ASC305). Actuarial Mathematics is a subject taught under the actuarial science program in preparation for the professional actuarial examination under the Society of Actuaries (SOA), as well as getting students to understand the actuarial aspects of the current life insurance system. On top of that, this MOOC has encouraged worldwide participants where one will have experience in practicing their fundamental knowledge on each topic. The real-time communication between the instructor and participants for knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and exchanging opinions create a positive ambiance of "classroom-beyond-borders". Using MOOCs for the course opens great opportunities for instructors to be creatively and innovatively involved in preparing attractive content, learning activities, and hands-on assessments that suit all learning styles (auditory, visual, reading and writing, and kinesthetics). Thus, this paper illustrates and describes the development of Introduction to Actuarial Mathematics using MOOCs (https://ufuture.uitm.edu.my/courses/summary/ASC305).