GALWAY, IRELAND - 2026-08-04

Alison has introduced Auto-Play for course videos in its Learning Environment, helping Alison Learners move from one video topic to the next with fewer interruptions and a smoother study rhythm.

The new feature means that when a video finishes in a video-based course, the next video starts automatically after a short countdown. Previously, Learners who were watching in full screen had to exit full screen, move manually to the next topic, and press play again.

The update is designed to make online learning feel more natural, especially for Learners who use video courses to build skills in focused sessions. 

Fewer Interruptions, Better Learning Momentum

Learning often happens in short windows between work, family, and other commitments. When every lesson requires extra clicks or breaks in concentration, it's easier to lose momentum.

Auto-Play keeps courses moving naturally from one video to the next, allowing Learners to stay immersed in the subject they're studying. A short countdown before each new lesson also gives people the opportunity to pause or continue when they're ready.

The result is a learning experience that feels more seamless, particularly for longer courses where multiple video lessons are completed in a single study session.

Removing Small Frictions That Add Up

Product improvements are often measured in seconds rather than minutes, but those seconds matter.

Previously, Learners watching in full-screen mode needed to exit the video, navigate to the next lesson, and manually begin playback before continuing. While each interruption was small, repeating that process throughout a course created unnecessary friction.

Auto-Play removes those repetitive actions, allowing Learners to focus on the course itself rather than the platform delivering it.

Helping More Learners Finish What They Start

Online learning succeeds when people can maintain momentum. The easier it is to continue, the more likely they are to stay engaged with their studies.

Whether someone is developing professional skills, preparing for a career change, or working towards an Alison Certificate or Diploma, Auto-Play helps create a smoother path from one lesson to the next, keeping attention on learning rather than navigation.

Continuous Improvements, Better Learning Experiences

Auto-Play is part of Alison's ongoing investment in improving the Learning Environment through practical enhancements that make studying simpler and more intuitive.

Rather than changing what Learners study, the feature improves how they experience their courses. Small improvements like these reduce unnecessary friction, support better learning habits, and help more people make steady progress towards their goals.

Ends

About Alison

Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered Learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.

The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.

For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited Learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.

To further support career development, Learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.

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