Course content

The MOOC „Alter(n)sbilder“ (Images of ageing) explores societal perceptions and representations of age and ageing, as well as their impact on individuals and society. Participants engage with the diversity of age related images and stereotypes and reflect on how these influences the perceptions of their own ageing process and that of others, as well as health and well being. The course also examines ageism and age discrimination and highlights their connections to social participation, disadvantage, and structural barriers. How images and perceptions of ageing are communicated and reproduced through language, media, and communication, and how respectful, diversity-sensitive communication can be achieved, is another focus of the course. Finally, the course turns its attention to visual and digital environments, exploring how images and digital products can be designed in an age-inclusive manner based on the principles of (age-)inclusive design.

Learning goals

After completing the MOOC, participants will have a solid understanding of images of ageing as well as ageism, and their significance for health and social participation. They will be able to critically reflect on their own perceptions and stereotypes about age and aging, and to identify and categorize forms of age discrimination and barriers to participation. Furthermore, they will be able to analyze language, images, and digital content for ageist elements and identify ways to create content that is respectful, sensitive to diversity, and age-inclusive.

Prerequisites

No specific prior knowledge is required to take part in the MOOC. The course is designed for a broad audience, allowing individuals without prior expertise, as well as students and practitioners from various fields, to engage with and explore the topics covered.

Course schedule

The MOOC consists of five lessons that build upon one another and can be completed independently and at the participant’s own pace. The lessons combine expert interviews with supplementary texts, graphics, reflection activities, and other interactive elements, while short recap podcasts summarize the key content. At the end of each lesson, participants can assess their newly acquired knowledge through a quiz.

With active participation, you will receive an automatically generated certificate of participation from iMooX.at, including your username, course details and confirmation that at least 75% of the quizzes (self-check questions) were answered correctly. In addition, you will receive open badges for each completed unit and for the entire course.

This work by Institut für Gesundheitswissenschaften | Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH (gesundheitswissenschaften@fernfh.ac.at) is licenced under CC BY-SA 4.0.