The RECONECT MOOC: a successful journey

The RECONECT project recently concluded its highly successful Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Launched at the beginning of August, the course ran for six weeks, offering participants a comprehensive overview of NbS. Although the course officially ended, the platform remained open to encourage further learning and interaction, and feedback was gathered to assess its impact.

To date, a total of 303 participants had signed up for the course, with an additional 19 RECONECT team members assigned as teachers. These original content creators facilitated discussions and provided guidance within the forums. Of the 303 participants, 166 officially began the course with Module 1. By the end of the six weeks, 137 participants were still actively engaging with the material, and 20 participants had successfully completed the MOOC within the scheduled time frame.

One of the key highlights of this MOOC is its participant retention rate. Out of the 303 initial registrants, 51.8% (157 participants) engaged meaningfully with the course, while only 5.4% of the participants dropped out after starting Module 1. A total of 12% (20 participants) managed to complete the entire course within the six-week target. When considering the typical dropout rates of 90–95% that most MOOCs face, RECONECT’s completion rate is quite impressive.

Who Participated?

The diversity among the participants reflected the widespread appeal of the MOOC. Of those who completed the course, 28% identified as researchers, followed by engineers (15%), postgraduate students (15%), environmental consultants (13%), and representatives from NGOs and government organizations (8%). The geographic diversity was also noteworthy, with participants from European countries such as the UK (15%), Spain (10%), and Italy (15%), alongside attendees from Colombia (10%), Mexico (5%), and the Middle East.

Moreover, participants ranged from individuals who had no prior knowledge of NbS to those with advanced expertise, creating a well-rounded and inclusive learning environment.

Participant Feedback: A Positive Learning Experience

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they had gained valuable knowledge from the course. Additionally, 70% indicated that their perceptions of NbS had changed, and 80% expressed confidence in applying what they had learned.

Participants were also asked about the most practical aspect of the course. Many praised Modules 2 (Multi-Criteria Analysis), 3 (Co-creation/Co-design), and 4 (Evaluation Methods) for their practical applications. The feedback highlighted the course’s balance between theory and practice, as well as its relevance to real-world projects.

Here are some handpicked testimonials that capture the essence of the learning experience:

• Consultant working in national government, Romania: “It was an extraordinary learning experience.”
• Environmental/Engineering Consultant, Switzerland: “I think it’s a great MOOC, with the perfect amount of technical information and a great overview of a large topic.”
• Environmental/Engineering Consultant, Colombia: “This course helped me gain the knowledge I need for my current project. I believe in building a sustainable future, and this course encouraged me to believe that green cities are possible.”
• Practitioner/Consultant in local government, England: “This was one of the best courses I’ve ever completed. It was so engaging and detailed. Despite having 15 years of experience, I learned a lot. I’m recommending it to all my colleagues for the next round.”
• NGO worker, Netherlands: “This is the most thorough MOOC I have seen. There are many things to learn and apply in your own work.”

Looking Ahead

The RECONECT MOOC has been a resounding success, both in terms of participant engagement and learning outcomes. With nearly half of the participants still actively involved, and a diverse range of learners from different fields and regions, the course has demonstrated the ability to bring together professionals and academics in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.

As more participants complete the course and round two of the MOOC begins, the RECONECT team is optimistic that this initiative will continue to inspire and educate more individuals, fostering the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions around the world.