Open AccessLearning from each other in the COVID-19 pandemic
Author(s) -
Anna C. Seale,
Maryirene Ibeto,
Josie Gallo,
Olivier le Polain de Waroux,
Judith R. Glynn,
Jenny Fogarty
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
wellcome open research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.298
H-Index - 21
ISSN - 2398-502X
DOI - 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15973.1
Subject(s) - misinformation , covid-19 , pandemic , social media , hygiene , public health , massive open online course , outbreak , public relations , medical education , political science , psychology , medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pedagogy , disease , virology , nursing , pathology , law
The increase in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide has been paralleled by increasing information, and misinformation. Accurate public health messaging is essential to counter this, but education may also have a role. Early in the outbreak, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine partnered with FutureLearn to develop a massive open online course (MOOC) on COVID-19. Our approach was grounded in social constructivism, supporting participation, sharing uncertainties, and encouraging discussion. The first run of the course included over 200,000 participants from 184 countries, with over 88,000 comments at the end of the three-week run. Many participants supported each other’s learning in their responses and further questions. Our experience suggests that open education, and supporting the development of communities of learners, can complement traditional messaging, providing a sustainable approach to countering the spread of misinformation.