The Open Learning Initiative (OLI) is a grant-funded group at Carnegie Mellon University, offering innovative online courses to anyone who wants to learn or teach. Our aim is to create high-quality courses and contribute original research to improve learning and transform higher education.

The Open Learning Initiative’s goal is to improve learning—whether you are a student at a college or university or learning on your own. Our courses provide you with targeted feedback and self-assessment tools so you’ll know where you’re excelling and where you need more work.

A range of activities are placed throughout the course material, giving you a chance to quickly assess your progress in a quantifiable way. During the activities, you can request hints or try an answer to a question and learn why it is or is not correct.

Learning on your own?

If so, our courses are free. You can learn at your own pace and receive immediate feedback from our activities, simulations, and quizzes. If you create an account, you can track your progress, grades, and course history.

Our courses do not offer any credit or certificate. There is also no instructor to speak with, but if you run into a technical problem you can always email OLI Support.