UC Irvine Extension Unveils 5 New Online Specializations

University of California, Irvine Extension has launched five new online specializations in partnership with the open online education platform, Coursera.

The new specializations include The Internet of Things, Academic English Writing, OptoBotics, iOS Programming and Conflict Management. UC Irvine now offers a total of eight specializations through Coursera. The others include Project Management Principles and Practices, Career Success and the Virtual Teacher Program. To earn a specialization certificate, students must successfully complete a series of courses followed by a capstone project.

The Internet of Things (IoT) specialization includes five courses covering topics such as the Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms, the C and Python programming languages, the role of IoT in society, current components of IoT devices and future trends.

The Academic English: Writing specialization is intended for English as a second language (ESL) students who are planning to attend an American university. It includes courses on grammar and punctuation, essay writing, advanced writing and research for essay writing.

The iOS Programming specialization is for students who want to learn how to develop applications for iPhones and iPads. It includes courses on Objective-C app development; networking and security in iOS applications; iOS user interface design; and games, sensors and media.

The OptoBotics specialization teaches how to create an optical system for robots or drones. It includes five courses covering topics such as optics for robots and drones, robotic motion systems, histories and futures of light and OptoBotics application. For the capstone project, students design and build an optical system and integrate it into a robot.

The Conflict Management specialization includes three courses covering types of conflict, conflict resolution skills and intercultural communication and conflict resolution.

Further information about UC Irvine's online specializations and courses can be found on Coursera's site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  •  floating digital interface with glowing icons, surrounded by faint geometric shapes

    Digital Education Council Defines 5 Dimensions of AI Literacy

    A recent report from the Digital Education Council, a global community devoted to "revolutionizing the world of education and work through technology and collaboration," provides an AI literacy framework to help higher education institutions equip their constituents with foundational AI competencies.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.

  • glowing brain, connected circuits, and abstract representations of a book and graduation cap on a light gray gradient background

    Snowflake Launches Program to Upskill 100,000 People in Data and AI

    Cloud data platform Snowflake is embarking on an effort to train and certify more than 100,000 users on its AI Data Cloud by 2027. The One Million Minds + One Platform program will provide Snowflake-delivered courses, training materials, and free access to Snowflake software, at no cost to learners.