Katherine France1, Uri Hangorsky2, Chia-Wei Wu3, Thomas P Sollecito4, Eric T Stoopler4. 1. Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Electronic address: kfrance@upenn.edu. 2. Department of Periodontics, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 3. Learning Sciences and Technologies, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 4. Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to (1) analyze the demographic characteristics of learners participating in The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease (TOC), the first massive open online course in oral medicine, and (2) assess worldwide interest in accessible, high-quality oral medicine education. STUDY DESIGN: TOC development and design was reviewed in detail to provide background for course organization and content. Learner demographic characteristics were gathered and analyzed to identify course participation and engagement. RESULTS: TOC premiered on September 17, 2017 as a novel source for oral medicine-based information. By March 1, 2020, TOC had 18,122 learners, of whom 4,641 enrolled. This sample included all age groups and genders, people of varied educational and employment backgrounds, and participants from 6 continents. Learners rated the course 4.9 out of 5 stars and submitted many positive reviews. CONCLUSIONS: TOC provided oral medicine-based education to individuals with interests in dental, medical, and allied health professions. Interest in oral medicine-related education was supported by high learner engagement in this course with wide global distribution.
OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to (1) analyze the demographic characteristics of learners participating in The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease (TOC), the first massive open online course in oral medicine, and (2) assess worldwide interest in accessible, high-quality oral medicine education. STUDY DESIGN: TOC development and design was reviewed in detail to provide background for course organization and content. Learner demographic characteristics were gathered and analyzed to identify course participation and engagement. RESULTS: TOC premiered on September 17, 2017 as a novel source for oral medicine-based information. By March 1, 2020, TOC had 18,122 learners, of whom 4,641 enrolled. This sample included all age groups and genders, people of varied educational and employment backgrounds, and participants from 6 continents. Learners rated the course 4.9 out of 5 stars and submitted many positive reviews. CONCLUSIONS: TOC provided oral medicine-based education to individuals with interests in dental, medical, and allied health professions. Interest in oral medicine-related education was supported by high learner engagement in this course with wide global distribution.