Learning from each other in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors :: Seale AC
Ibeto M
Gallo J
le Polain de Waroux O
Glynn JR
Fogarty J
Source :: Wellcome open research [Wellcome Open Res] 2021 Oct 12; Vol. 5, pp. 105. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Oct 12 (Print Publication: 2020).
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: 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 can complement traditional messaging, potentially providing a sustainable approach to countering the spread of misinformation in public health.<br />Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.<br /> (Copyright: © 2021 Seale AC et al.)