Embry-Riddle to Run MOOC on Drone Operation

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be offering a free online course on how to operate drones. "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Key Concepts for New Users" lasts just two weeks and is expected to take about four hours each week of work. Hosted on the Canvas Network, the massive open online course runs Jan. 22 to Feb. 4. Course instructors will include Embry-Riddle faculty and experts from drone industry.

According to course organizers, the program will cover "everything new users need to know to safely operate their drones." Students will learn about equipment, airspace, legal requirements and flight planning tools. The two-session class can also serve as a foundation for additional study leading to becoming a commercial drone operator.

"We have had consistently great feedback about this course," said Kristy Kiernan, an assistant professor and lead instructor for the class, in a press release. "We are especially excited about the updates and changes we have made to reflect the most up-to-the-minute information in this rapidly changing part of aviation."

Students may enroll online on the Canvas Network.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • robot hand holding stacks of coins

    Designing AI Systems for Financial Aid

    Financial aid offices have been slow to adopt AI, risking technological stagnation at a critical early student touchpoint. Systematic AI integration can improve student experiences and strengthen institutional positioning.

  • Jason Palm

    AI, Identity, and Speed: Cybersecurity Priorities for Higher Ed

    Fortinet Security Operations Specialist Jason Palm explains how AI is raising new security challenges for higher education, requiring stronger governance, identity protection, threat detection, automation, and incident readiness.

  • Digital cyberspace with particles and Digital data

    Report: AI Is Moving Faster than Data Trust

    AI agents are already in use or pilot at most organizations, but data visibility, governance and precision recovery capabilities have not kept pace, according to Veeam's new Data & AI Trust Gap report.

  • VSLive! session

    VSLive! San Diego 2026 Puts AI at the Core of the Campus IT Stack

    For higher education IT teams working through AI pilots, ERP integrations, student-facing apps, analytics projects, and mounting security concerns, Visual Studio Live! San Diego 2026 offers a look at the development practices that are shaping the campus technology landscape.