The FX television series The Strain is about a city
under attack from a mysterious epidemic and a devastating cyber-virus attack. It’s
also a great way to teach virus and parasite biology, cybersecurity, and
epidemiological modeling.
The software firm Instructure is betting on it by partnering
with the video learning company Zaption to create a massive open online course
(MOOC) based on the real-world science presented in the show.
“We expect many participants in The Strain MOOC will
have never taken an online course before,” Melissa Loble, vice president of
partners and programs at Instructure, told eCampus News.
“But because of this partnership with Zaption, they will be able to interact
with highly engaging video-based content that will enrich the learning
experience.”
The MOOC designers are working with the University of
California, Irvine (UCI), on content for each unit. That content will be updated weekly with new lecture videos, quizzes, a discussion forum,
additional readings, and extra videos based on UCI research.
Students will earn digital badges for each strain
completed and have the option of doing a final multimedia project to showcase
their learning. Instructors will also be able to monitor discussions to answer
questions.
“The entertainment piece is the hook, but we hope
people will walk away with a much deeper understanding,” said Chris Walsh, CEO
of Zaption.