Our research approach: how do we evaluate our informal learners?

(1) Surveys in 2013 repeated in 2014. Purpose:

•Review the demographic profile of learners, students and teachers using OpenLearn;•Understand how the content serves learners’ needs;•Examine how the availability of free educational content is impacting informal learners and their motivations to take up formal study;•Understand learners’ challenges and successes when using the platform;•Examine where learners are visiting within the platform, what they are searching for and where they go next.Studies aligned with two hypotheses from the OER Research Hub project (see http://oerresearchhub.org).

(2) Evaluation of 2013 OU badging pilot.

“Identified informal learning”“Identified informal learning”

Findings Students that use free learning content during formal paid-for study declare improved

performance and self-reliance;

University-provided OER act as a taster to those considering paid-for formal learning;

The usability of OpenLearn as an open course environment needs improving;

The provision of digital badges enhances learners’ motivation to complete an online course;

Badged open courses attract learners who are more inclined to take up formal study and help meet the OU’s widening participation agenda;

Where content is syndicated across different platforms, it can meet the needs of both professional and personal development and can serve very different demographic groups.

Recommendations Create an entire BOC curriculum targeting access students;

Improve the usability of the OpenLearn platform especially around the user experience of moving through an online, unsupported course;

Extend syndication of free content to reach new audiences.

Within 3 months of research findings’ release – BOC project initiated;

Quick syndication to new channels (Google Play, Bibblio; Kindle; AudioBoo);

OpenLearn usability enhanced through changes to OU’s Moodle platform

Photo: spbatt cc-by-nc-nd

Research impact & rapid commissioning

Badge display

Mozilla Backpack

My OpenLearn Profile

Social networks e.g.

LinkedIn

Printable certificate

1. Create an entire BOC curriculum targeting access students