Open Education 2014

In this panel, we will discuss the mapping and visual display of OER initiatives in light of three ongoing projects aimed at indexing OER from around the world. Mapping OER involves many challenges, including the finding of machine-readable data, translating and inputting content, the selection and development of software architectures and metadata schemes, identifying what constitutes (or not) an OER-related initiative, cooperative editing processes for quality assurance, and sustainability. Additionally, mapping initiatives are often part of a suit of visualization options which can be used with the gather data, which includes graphs, heat maps, timelines and other types of tools.

Here, we will present the working prototype of three ongoing projects, which have grappled with some of these issues, with unique outcomes and learning experiences.

The MIRA project, a federated, multilingual, open-source mapping initiative was aimed at identifying the most important OER-related initiatives in Latin America focused on the K-12 level. Each initiative was investigated in order to provide extensive descriptive and searchable information. We collaboratively created a Dublin-Core aligned metadata scheme to allow for facile data exchange. As part of the project a series of tools and systems aimed at collaborative mapping was examined, as well as existing OER-maps. These data will be shared during the presentation.

The eMUNDUS is a European project to promote collaboration among international partners in Russia, Indonesia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium, UK and Italy. The mapping component of this project is to chart the use of OER, MOOCs and Virtual Mobility around the world. A world map has been designed built on an open database that will include the Higher Education Institutions, consortia and collaborations involved in the three areas.

Finally a working prototype of the hbz OER World Map will be presented which aims at maximum data connectivity and reusability using an approach, which combines Linked Open Data (LOD) with an open API. One of the underlying assumptions of the project is, that the OER World Map data models an important backbone of the OER ecosystem and therefore should be easily reused by other applications, which could be developed in the future. Extending the platform will maximize the added value of the data, which increases the chance that the system will be able to deliver high quality data on a sustainable basis.

All three projects demonstrate the synergy that unfolds if elements of open source, open data and open educational resources are combined. In this panel, we aim not only to present the current work, but also to gather feedback and insight from the participants as to how to improve and extend the reach of mapping initiatives from the mezzo (institutional) to micro (resource) level.