Dying2Learn and D2KD: A Call to Action

Introduction: MOOC’s are freely available short online courses that can be used to create social networks, engage participants, impart important messages, and see the creation of resources. CareSearch will deliver a consumer driven MOOC (Dying2Learn) in July 2016 and will be partnering with The Groundswell Project/Dying to Know Day(D2KD) in relation to some of the participants activities.

Aims: The MOOC will be delivered via a sociological not medical approach. Concepts will include: peer-to-peer social activism and building social capital. It will be community driven looking at concepts that have impacted on the participants who are viewed as contributors, not recipients of education.

Methods: Dying to Know Day is held in August each year and the MOOC will be held in July. This is a perfect opportunity to partner with the Groundswell Project in encouraging participants to answer a call to action in developing artefacts that voice their personal thoughts, sentiments regarding death and dying.

In the lead up to the MOOC our marketing staff will be widely promoting this opportunity via consumer networks and both existing and new partnerships. We envisage participants will go into their communities to begin conversations about death and dying and help normalise it as a part of life.

Results: The artefacts developed during the course of the MOOC could be developed via canvas via film, via poetry or as an infographic. Participants could also attend death cafes, participate in tweet chats or blogs or record their experiences.

Discussion: We are strengthening our relationship with not only the general public/wider community but with those who engage with the public about death and dying in avenues other than via a website.

Conclusion: The CareSearch MOOC on death and dying will provide a never seen opportunity to generate not only conversations but tangible products to be used for D2KD.

Funding Acknowledgement: CareSearch is funded by the Department of Health. The Groundswell project is a not for profit organisation.

Dying2Learn and Dying2KnowDay: A call to action (2.26MB pdf)