MOOC Macronutrients and Overnutrition one of the 250 most popular online courses worldwide

Online from the WUR-studio

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world have already followed the MOOC, at least in part. It is not a live broadcast – taking into account the different time zones – but the course has been recorded at the WUR-studio. ‘In the beginning, this was pioneering work, but over the years we have of course gained insights into making the online course more attractive and recordings more professional’ Sander says. At the beginning of the COVID 19-pandemic, it gave him a head start; he already had experience with online education and introduced the course into his regular curriculum, to the full satisfaction of his students.

Large and diverse target audience

In the beginning the course was free of charge, nowadays a small contribution is asked. Sander: “These contributions cover the cost of this MOOC, but for most of the others, the balance is less favorable, as they have significantly fewer participants. These are high-level courses and one hopes of course that the investments pay off in a different way, in the form of general brand awareness, for example. After all, we reach a very large and diverse target group. I've had chefs among the participants, military personnel, and pensioners, including an almost eighty-year-old lady from Australia. She was not yet entirely retired by the way, she still worked part-time as an interior designer. Those are wonderful encounters.’

Always up to date

Needless to say, the course is kept up-to-date at all times. Sander does so by adding new information and relevant new insights. Interaction with the students takes place via the chat box. Sander answers all students’ questions. Sometimes they start a discussion among themselves, or answer each other's questions. Sander always ensures that he follows the debates and he intervenes or supplements if necessary.