OER Integration
OER Integration¶
1. Introduction and Rationale¶
In line with The Open College’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible, and sustainable online education (as outlined in our Strategic Plan 2024-2026), and further to observations within our QA Manual (Section 10: Learning Materials and Resources), a strategic initiative will be undertaken throughout 2025-2026 to systematically explore, evaluate, and potentially integrate Open Educational Resources (OERs) into our QQI-accredited programmes.
OERs offer significant potential to enhance learning materials, increase affordability for learners, broaden the diversity of perspectives, and support innovative pedagogical practices. This initiative aims to move from current ad-hoc/tutor-led use to a more informed and institutionally supported approach.
2. Objectives for 2025-2026¶
By the end of 2026, The Open College aims to:
-
Develop clear institutional guidance and policy recommendations regarding the ethical and effective use of OERs.
-
Enhance staff awareness and capacity in identifying, evaluating, adapting, and appropriately attributing OERs.
-
Identify high-quality OER repositories and resources relevant to our programme areas.
-
Pilot the integration of selected OERs in a minimum of 2–3 modules to assess impact and gather feedback.
-
Establish a framework for the ongoing review and quality assurance of OERs used within programmes.
3. Key Action Areas & Timeline¶
| Action | Lead | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conduct staff survey on current OER awareness and usage | QA Office | Q2 2025 | Pending |
| Research and shortlist suitable OER repositories (MERLOT, OER Commons, etc.) | Education Technologist | Q2 2025 | Pending |
| Draft institutional OER guidance document | QA Office / Education Technologist | Q3 2025 | Pending |
| Deliver staff CPD session on OER identification, evaluation, and attribution | Education Technologist | Q3 2025 | Pending |
| Pilot OER integration in 2–3 selected modules | Programme Leaders | Q4 2025 | Pending |
| Gather and analyse learner and tutor feedback from pilots | QA Office | Q1 2026 | Pending |
| Finalise institutional OER policy and quality assurance framework | QA Office | Q2 2026 | Pending |
| Review and report outcomes to Academic Board | Head of Programme Development | Q2 2026 | Pending |