Virus animales, su transmisión y enfermedades que producen, un MOOC para todos

IntroductionMOOCs (Massive Online Open Course) represent a method of distance learning. They were born with the philosophy of making knowledge accessible to everyone, although some platforms have now appreciated the business component they imply. However, there are still other platforms that allow free access to the courses although it is necessary to pay a small amount to receive the certificate of participation.The Complutense University of Madrid, within its call for Innovation Projects 2014, chose the project Animal Viruses, their transmission and the diseases they produce, financing all the expenses derived from its production and involving the eCampus staff and the Digital Content Unit for the development and follow-up of the project.MethodsAfter choosing FutureLearn platform because of its worldwide diffusion and for the interest it showed in bilingualism, the rules imposed by it were followed, basically that the course was divided into weeks and that the audio of the videos was in Spanish, with the possibility of choosing subtitles in English or Spanish, with the rest of the content in English. With these guidelines the content was distributed in six weeks in which, after the first week of introduction on generalities of viruses (what they are, how they are replicated, where they are, how they are controlled), different systems by which viruses are transmitted are reviewed, concentrating each week on one of them. Thus, the second week focuses on viruses that are transmitted through the feco-oral route, the third transmitted by bites, the fourth by arthropods and the fifth by airborne route. For each route of transmission, a viral animal disease has been chosen to exemplify the material, working more deeply on it, including information on other similar diseases. The sixth week addresses diseases caused by viruses that persistently infect the host. Each week consists of 15 to 17 activities, including five videos, several articles and discussion sessions, as well as small self-assessment tests. It is strongly encouraged that the student participates with comments in the forum included in each activity.Results and DiscussionUp to March 2019 three editions of the MOOC have been completed (January and November 2017, October 2018), with an average of 2000 students per edition from an average of 120 countries. In all of them we have counted with the help of mentors who collaborate keeping the discussions active. The MOOC is open for six weeks, remaining active for two more weeks for those who have not completed it.Surveys of students indicated that the most valued activity was to perform tests, followed by the viewing of videos, articles, and links to related content. For 60% of the learners the MOOC had exceeded their expectations, for 37% had met their expectations, and 3% were not sure.ConclusionsMOOCs represent a possibility of distance learning, at a personal pace, allowing students to obtain a certificate and to interact with students from all over the world.ReferencesLink to the MOOC: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/animal-virusesKeywords: MOOC (free and open online courses), animal viruses, learning, diseases