Introduction to Dutch MOOC facts and figures

The Introduction to Dutch MOOC (an online course in Dutch for non-native speakers) will be starting on Monday 15 August for the sixth time. More than 90,000 students have learned Dutch with the Introduction to Dutch MOOC so far. Online questionnaires and course surveys have provided interesting facts and figures about the MOOC participants. For example, the MOOC is most popular amongst women between the ages of 25 and 34.

Introduction to Dutch starting on 15 August
The course will be starting on 15 August 2016. Free registration is possible on the Future Learn website . The online course is intended for anyone who wishes to learn Dutch or is planning to visit The Netherlands for work, studies or pleasure. The online course was developed by the University of Groningen Language Centre.

Many female participants
Research has shown that 70% of the participants are female. More than 30% of the participants are aged between 25 and 34. Course members come from all over the world, the course is especially popular amongst natives of the United Kingdom (20.2%), the United States (7.8%), Spain (5%) and Brazil (4.9%). Almost half of the participants is highly educated (48%) and employed (34.3%).

Why learn a language online
The main reasons why students take part in the Introduction to Dutch MOOC are because they enjoy learning new languages (56.8%) and because they are interested in Dutch culture (49.3%). Only 40% of participants have plans to move to The Netherlands in future. Language learners also take the course because they are eager to try out online learning and because they enjoy social interaction and learning languages with other students.

Learning from home
The largest group of participants live in the United Kingdom and in The Netherlands (21% per group). The majority of the students participates in the online course from home (88.9%). Students also take the course from the language school where they are learning Dutch (27.9%). A small number of students participate in the course while they are commuting.

Learners' comments about the course           

• "This course has really helped me understand so much more Dutch!”
  

• “The way the course is developed is great. I l love learning this way.”

Contact

Language Centre
Telephone: +31 50 363 5802
Email: languagecentre@rug.nl

Contact person
Margriet Hidding