Developing and Pilot Testing of a Mini Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Occupational Epidemiology

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offer a flexible method of providing education to large numbers of people around the world. This study aimed to develop and pilot test a mini MOOC in order to teach knowledge and skills in occupational epidemiology.Using instructional design principles, an open online course was developed.Four modules have been designed and delivered in a pilot version requiring an 8-hour time commitment. Thirty postgraduate students evaluated different aspects of the MOOC. They appreciated the active learning approach, gave high rates of approval for learning effects and structure but would welcome more feedback and interaction.Although students were satisfied, developing the MOOC entailed a considerable amount of time. A multi-institutional approach and international collaboration would be beneficial to improve the present MOOC and develop new ones.