The quantitative survey on which the report is based showed clear evidence of the existence of cultures of innovation, both within organizations and individuals' practices. Using OER in open learning architectures is closely associated with both the facilitation of new forms of learning for individuals, and customizing learning resources to the particular needs of the individual learner. In the view of respondents, the use of OER improves the quality of education, leads to pedagogical changes, and increases the participation of learners in educational scenarios. The use of OER has the potential to lead to more open pedagogical practices.

The report demonstrates that there is a clear positive opinion in all education roles and across both higher education and adult education that the use of OER and the implementation of open educational practices lead to innovations in pedagogical terms, in learning strategies, and at institutional level.

It should be stressed that there is a recognition that such innovation poses challenges to organizations, and that institutional leaders who responded to the survey are very aware of this.

The study report (file size 6MB) is available to download from the DuEPublico open access platform or can be browsed by clicking on the image below. The section on cultures of innovation can be found on pages 57-77.

The OPAL Initiative is a partnership between seven organizations including ICDE, UNESCO and ICDE member institution, The Open University, UK, and is part funded by the European Commission Education and Training Lifelong Learning Programme.

Open Educational Quality Initiative website

24 February 2011