Massive open online courses (MOOCs) as a window into the veterinary profession

Abstract

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are freely available online courses open to anyone who registers and typically are associated with thousands or hundreds of thousands of participants. Using an established online platform, the authors created and delivered a five-week MOOC aimed primarily at prospective veterinary students, but open to anyone with an interest in finding out more about the veterinary profession in general. 11,911 people signed up for the course, and of these, 8137 interacted in some way with the course and 1716 received a certificate of completion. The majority of participants (84 per cent) were female, and there was a wide age range (under 18 to over 65). Most participants were from North America or the UK. 65 per cent of those completing the entry survey were hoping or intending to work in the vet profession in the future, while 33 per cent were not. Qualitative data indicated that the course was helpful in aiding those undecided as to whether they wanted to be a veterinarian or not to decide one way or another whether they want to pursue veterinary medicine as a career. Furthermore, the course was seen as being a useful introduction to the veterinary profession even for those who had no intention of working in the field.

A study of Veterinary Scholars’ Perception of MOOCs

“…Several platforms have connectedwith universities to offer credit and degrees, though many of them also have their own versions of credentials. Knowledge seekers can have the most options if they find the right platform (Paterson et al, 2017). Responses from veterinaryscholars in connection to various MOOC platforms are shown in Figure 3.…”

“…Whether it is an introductory course or a more specialized topic about veterinary science, taking an MOOC ahead of enrolling in a full university course is a good way to get to know more about the various specializations in the veterinary field and to discover new potential interests. Paterson et al (2017) carried out a five-week MOOC aimed primarily at prospective veterinary students, but open to anyone with an interest in finding out more about the veterinary profession in general. In total, 11,911 individuals enrolled for the course, and of these, 8,137 communicated in some way with the course, and 1,716 received a completion certificate.…”

Introduction to dental medicine: Analysis of a massive open online course in dentistry

“…One major benefit of IDM was its ability to serve as a true introduction to any learners interested in dental medicine. Using MOOCs as an introduction to a detailed but not widely accessible topic has proven successful in other fields, 17 and this study reflects the benefits of disseminating information in dental medicine. IDM was easy to access given its distribution on the Coursera network and its fee-free nature, allowing, as recommended, a low burden for learners.…”

“…18 In addition, IDM reflects theories that didactic instruction is well suited to MOOC formats. 14 In presenting scientific information and reviewing basic clinical activities without offering advice on treatment, 17 IDM was able to overcome traditional MOOC challenges of designing, engaging, and appropriately challenging content by focusing on a variety of subjects with broad applicability. IDM also covered cutting edge developments and research foci in dental medicine, helping to maintain subject-level excitement.…”

“…6 As is recommended for MOOCs, short, highyield videos in IDM were able to effectively present information, while focusing on different subjects each week and ensuring student participation. 17,19 By varying subject matter while following the xMOOC structure, IDM built on evidence that learners in more structured courses maintain better engagement and understanding of the material. 20,21 IDM also provided learners from around the world the chance to learn directly from well-known and highly regarded experts, a rare opportunity in dentistry.…”