Exploring Everyday Chemistry: The Effectiveness of an Organic Chemistry Massive Open Online Course as an Education and Outreach Tool

Andrew F. Parsons*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A massive open online course (MOOC), Exploring Everyday Chemistry (eeDc), was delivered four times between 2017 and 2019, attracting a worldwide audience of over 15000 learners from a wide range of backgrounds. This 4-week course was designed to show a variety of everyday applications of organic chemistry, targeted at high school students seeking to study a chemistry-related degree at university. A mix of video, text, polls, quizzes, and practical activities was incorporated with material designed to build on high school studies, highlighting aspects of university-level teaching and research, as well as showcasing some career opportunities for chemistry graduates. We monitored student attitudes toward this course, finding a consistent enthusiasm for the approach and selection of material. The impact of the course was evident from the significant number of students who mentioned it positively in their university applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1266-1271
Number of pages6
JournalJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
Volume97
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Apr 2020

Bibliographical note

© 2020 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc.

Keywords

  • Applications of Chemistry
  • Computer-based Learning
  • Distance Learning/Self Instruction
  • First-Year Undergraduate/General
  • Internet/Web-based Learning
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Student/Career Counseling

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