‘Massive’ course on dementia
A free 11 week course about dementia is reportedly attracting registrants from more than 60 countries and boasting enviable retention rates, with more than 67% of participants who started the course still studying after four weeks.
A free 11 week course about dementia is reportedly attracting registrants from more than 60 countries and boasting enviable retention rates, with more than 67% of participants who started the course still studying after four weeks.
In what has been described as the ‘world’s first’ Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) about dementia, the University of Tasmania’s Understanding Dementia, is a ‘hit’ with students.
Launched in July, completion rates are now about 6% for other international MOOCs.
Developed by UTAS’ Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, the course addresses an area of genuine international community need, with dementia described by the World Health Organisation as the public health issue of the 21st Century.
Understanding Dementia MOOC participants are reporting a transformation of their understanding, knowledge and care practices to improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
One participant said, in a statement found on the UTAS website, that working on a daily basis with residents with dementia can be “very difficult”.
“This course is giving me a clearer understanding and I am thoroughly enjoying the learning experience,” the participant said.
“I can now start to spread my knowledge with my team members. This will assist our team to understand our residents a lot better. Therefore, they will receive even better care.”
With a growing international reputation for the quality of its dementia education, Wicking is now offering a fully online Bachelor of Dementia Care.
The degree is offered to students internationally who wish to undertake university study in dementia care. Recognising dementia education as an area of acute community need, the University of Tasmania is offering subsidised fee structures for students Australia wide and overseas.
With the success of the first iteration of the Understanding Dementia MOOC, online education providers will be watching this space for insight into the recipe for success, as well as the demand for future iterations of the course starting in March next year.
Find out more about the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
