Humanists UK’s new online course on humanism is a massive success
Earlier this year, Humanists UK launched the world’s first massive open online course (MOOC) on humanism: Introducing humanism: non-religious approaches to life. The response has been phenomenal.
Over 10,000 people from 120 different countries signed up for the course on the FutureLearn social-learning platform, and nine out of ten learners said they enjoyed the course and were likely to recommend it to others. With the course due to run several times a year, it is hoped that tens of thousands of people will be using it to learn more about humanism over the next few years.
Sign up for our free online course at www.futurelearn.com/courses/
The course is fronted by Humanists UK patron Sandi Toksvig and explores the humanist approach to life through contributions from well-known academics, campaigners, celebrants, pastoral carers, as well as members of the public.
Learners enrolled on the course for a variety of reasons. There were many people who already identified as humanists, looking to learn more about humanism from others who share their beliefs. Then there were those who described themselves as non-religious but who were unfamiliar with humanism and were keen to find out more about the humanist approach to life. Many religious people have also taken the course as they were interested in learning more about how those with alternative worldviews approach life’s big questions.
Humanists UK’s Head of Education Luke Donnellan commented: ‘It is fantastic to see so many people so keen to learn more about humanism. There is someone who has taken the course from almost every country on the planet. What has been particularly wonderful to witness is the nature of the discussions – it is clear that, whatever starting point someone is coming from, they are keen to learn more. If humanism is a conversation about the best way to live, then the more people taking part the better.’
