Anna
The Netherlands

"The videos on existing timber buildings and the modular timber construction process were really effective!"

While working as an architect, Anna participated in the online course Sustainable Building with Timber.

What was your motivation for enrolling in this course/program? 
I wanted to learn more about building with timber sustainably so I could apply this to the built environment with credible knowledge. I am also busy with my BEP (beroepservaring periode) which encourages you to do courses in areas that interest you and this was a perfect fit. As it was online, I was excited to be exposed to the insight of learners from all over the world. I have an hour commute by public transport so having the course work available online and in a flexible way, I was able to use my time productively.

How did/will this course impact your career or life? 
The course has given me new tools that I can apply to my workplace. I am striving to become a specialist in timber construction, bio-based materials, and nature inclusive design so this has added greatly to my ambition.

How was your experience learning online?
I had one previous experience with a MOOC on circularity in the built industry. Therefore, I had an idea as to what to expect, and I understood the balance of content and assignments. I found the course got more and more exciting as the weeks went on, but the content had a solid and necessary foundation. Perhaps it could have had an even more critical angle but there was space for participants to start those conversations. Some of the presentations were read and lacked flow but the content was always understandable and interesting. The videos on existing timber buildings and the modular timber construction process were really effective! I also appreciated the feedback at the end of each week as it felt more personalized to the learners and highlighted things one may have missed in the presentations and dialogues.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking of taking a similar course?
Give yourself enough time to engage with the conversations and tasks as I think this stands out in the learning process.