Analysis of learner demographics from a massive open online course in oral medicine

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to review the learning impact of The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease (TOC), a massive open online course in oral medicine developed by Penn Dental Medicine using the Coursera platform; and (2) to analyze course enrollment to determine worldwide interest in accessible, high-quality oral medicine education. <h3>Methods</h3> The authors analyzed Coursera learner statistics to critically evaluate learner traits and course engagement for TOC, which launched on September 17, 2017, and covers topics relevant to oral medicine and the interprofessional relationship between dentistry and medicine. <h3>Results</h3> To date, TOC has garnered 16,653 visitors, 4,318 of whom have enrolled and demonstrate approximately steady continued monthly and daily engagement. Most learners are between 25 and 34 years of age, and 54% are female, reflecting interest in acquiring oral medicine–related knowledge in this demographic. TOC includes more participants than Coursera averages who have obtained professional and doctoral degrees. TOC participants also include more individuals who are unemployed, employed part time, and self-employed, demonstrating a broad range of participants. Some participants have successfully applied to and enrolled in dental schools and oral medicine residency programs, including at the University of Pennsylvania. Enrollees are from 6 continents, with higher proportions of learners than other courses on the platform being from Africa and Asia. The countries with the highest proportions of participants include the United States, India, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and Brazil, demonstrating a geographically wide interest among these participants. One hundred twenty-six learners have rated the course with 4.9 of 5 stars; 95% of participants have given the course a "thumbs up"; and many submit positive reviews, including one individual who remarked, "It is a great course for dental students who want to know how systemic diseases or conditions may affect in [sic] the Oral Cavity." <h3>Conclusions</h3> Coursera is a worldwide technology platform that hosts free courses spanning various levels and disciplines. TOC presents an opportunity to learn oral medicine and interprofessional health care concepts for individuals with interests in dental, medical, and allied health professions. High learner engagement with wide global distribution demonstrates interest in oral medicine–related education worldwide.