Is the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course Accessible and Effective for Everyone? Native Versus Non-Native English Speakers

Most massive open online courses (MOOCs) are offered in English, including those by non-English speaking universities. The study investigated an identified English language dementia MOOC’s accessibility and effectiveness improving the knowledge of non-native speaker participants. A total 6,389 enrolees (age range 18–82 years; 88.4% female) from 67 countries was included analyses. Dementia measured Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) before after MOOC completion. Rates completion were also compared. Native speakers (n = 5,320) older, more likely to be female, less employed, had lower educational attainment than 1025). care for or have cared a family member friend living with speakers. significantly higher DKAS score both pre- (M 33.0, SD 9.3) post-MOOC 44.2, 5.5) did 31.7, 9.1; M 40.7, 7.7 post-MOOC, respectively). Non-native low pre-MOOC scores gained following course native (p <.001, adjusted age education). There no significant difference between two groups their likelihood completing MOOC. Our findings suggest that motivated able complete at similar rates speakers, but is effective intervention knowledge.