Designing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Understanding Suicide and Suicide Prevention Strategies in a Global Context. Findings from the March and Sep 2019 runs

Langan-Martin, J. , Sharp, L. , Karadzhov, D. , Cleare, S. , Syrett, S., Zortea, T. and O'Connor, R. (2020) Designing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Understanding Suicide and Suicide Prevention Strategies in a Global Context. Findings from the March and Sep 2019 runs. 13th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, 25 Aug 2020.

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide prevention is a global public health challenge. Increasing evidence-based knowledge and understanding of suicide needs to be central to suicide prevention efforts worldwide. We aimed to design a 3 week Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to allow students to gain a broader understanding of suicide as a global issue. Methods: A multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, suicide researchers, people with lived experience and digital learning technologists developed the educational content. To ensure a safe learning environment, the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on safe reporting of suicides was adhered to. Self–care activities were embedded throughout each week of the MOOC and wellbeing resources were signposted at the end of each step. Once the draft MOOC was completed, extensive consultation occurred. External feedback was obtained from a range of key stakeholders and a number of organisations were approached for endorsement or accreditation. Five teaching assistants were employed to aid course moderation. Results/Discussion: The MOOC launched in March and September 2019 with five organisational endorsements and one accreditation. Over 3,000 students engaged in the MOOC with 4,410 discussion comments. Student discussions were monitored by staff. The MOOC appeared to have a global reach with 51% of learners residing in the UK, 5% in Australia, 4% in the United States, 3% in Mexico, 2% in Canada, India and China and 1% in Russia and Saudi Arabia. Completion data from 276 learners reported that 93.5% (n=258) felt the course met or exceeded expectations and 95.7% (n=264) reported new learning. Conclusion: There appears to be a global demand for education on suicide prevention. Early outcome data suggested that new knowledge can be delivered through a MOOC. Learner safety needs to be carefully considered when developing and delivering online learning. Thorough and careful moderation is essential to ensure that learners engage safely with the content.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Zortea, Dr Tiago and O'Connor, Professor Rory and Sharp, Dr Laura and Langan-Martin, Dr Julie and Syrett, Mrs Suzanne and Cleare, Dr Seonaid and Karadzhov, Dr Dimitar
• Authors: Langan-Martin, J., Sharp, L., Karadzhov, D., Cleare, S., Syrett, S., Zortea, T., and O'Connor, R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Author

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