What was the main goal of your project?
The main goal was to make digital learning materials cheaper, easier, and more accessible for both students and teachers at VU Amsterdam using the Quality Funds. Initially, we mapped out the use of commercially available learning materials in the learning environment and the requirements that teachers have for these materials. It soon became apparent that teachers were more interested in better information provision, such as on copyright, proper use, and the availability of learning materials. This realization led us to understand that we could break the stigma surrounding quality and demonstrate the advantages of (open) learning materials by making their availability more transparent.
What concrete results have you achieved with your project?
This project ensures that VU Amsterdam continually focuses on the opportunities and possibilities of (re)using (open) educational resources. Currently, this has led to the development of a unique online infrastructure in the Netherlands, aligned with the Open Science Programme, which actively promotes the search, discovery, and use of (open) educational resources in multiple ways. Additionally, a control mechanism helps to reduce copyright infringements when using (open) educational resources, making it easier for students to access the materials.
What did you personally find the most beautiful or special moment during this project?
I need to think about that... The establishment of the Educational Support Centre in 2022 by the University Library. As the University Library was one of the key initiators of the VU Centre for Teaching & Learning (which includes the VU Education Lab), and with the boost that COVID-19 gave to this collaboration, we came to realise within the University Library that a dedicated team was necessary to support the creation, organisation, storage, and access of (open) educational resources.
How has this project contributed to the improvement of education at VU Amsterdam?
Through the establishment of, and the possibilities offered by, the online infrastructure, there are numerous benefits for students:
- There is better access to (open) educational resources;
- This provides students with fewer financial means access to high-quality learning materials;
- There is clearer information available to students.
For the organization, there are also advantages:
- Increased awareness around (open) educational resources;
- Reduced costs;
- Insight into the actual use of (open) educational resources;
- Insight into the availability of (open) educational resources;
- Fewer concerns about infringement of copyright-protected educational materials.
