Rounding up the first edition of the MOOC “Growing Apart: What Is Polarisation and What Can We Do About It?” in Tartu

The MOOC was launched on the University of Tartu’s Moodle platform on November 17 and ran until December 17. In total, the course attracted more than 220 participants from around the world, representing 31 countries, including Estonia, Singapore, Romania, the Philippines, Hungary, the United States, Ukraine, Austria, China, Georgia, Germany, Sweden, Croatia, France, Italy, Malaysia, Czechia, Greece, India, Canada, Bulgaria, Kenya, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Armenia, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, and Poland.

During the course, participants engaged with four thematic modules, which included interactive video lectures, reading materials, simulation exercises, quizzes, and discussion forums. Throughout the course, participants learned about the signs of polarisation; its consequences for democratic societies; the major cognitive and social mechanisms leading to polarisation; and measures to address polarisation, including both prevention and reconciliation strategies. The course was completed by 106 participants, representing a 46% completion rate – well above typical MOOC completion rates.

Course feedback collected at the end of the course (December 2025) indicates overall positive feedback from participants. In total, 85 respondents provided feedback. Specifically, 96.47% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the course content, case studies, and objectives aligned with their needs and expectations. Additionally, 98.82% either strongly agreed or agreed that the course increased their overall knowledge and/or understanding of the field. Furthermore, 91.76% indicated that the organisation and depth of the course materials, assignments, and feedback were sufficient.

Regarding qualitative feedback, one respondent noted: “I have taken many courses across different fields and universities, but this one truly left me in awe. Not only were the study materials extremely helpful, but the way the technical aspects of the course were structured was amazing.”

The course hosted on the University of Tartu’s Moodle platform will be open again in March 2026.