University of Plymouth, Learning from WOeRK: OERs for CPD in the workplace

  • Start date: 2010-09-01
  • End date: 2011-08-31
  • Status: complete

The Learning from WOeRK project is developing resources to support learning in the workplace, which will be available as open educational resources through JorumOPEN and the University of Plymouth’s Uplace repository.  The resources will support learning at levels 4,5, 6 and 7 and  focus on a number of key areas: Research Methods, Mentoring and Leadership; and Work-based learning. 
The project will build on the team’s prior experience of OER development such as through the C-change project,  involvement with the JISC funded UPlaCe Repository project and Web2Rights IPR initiative, as well as experience gained from other FDTL and JISC funded projects.

Aims and Objectives

The project aims to produce quality open education resources to support accredited continuous professional development (CPD), making distance learning more accessible to learners in the workplace, making OERs openly available to other universities, developing an OER culture at the University of Plymouth and increasing engagement of employers in OER content production.

Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes

  • 360 credits of OERs to support accredited work-related CPD activities available under open licence and distributed through JorumOpen and Uplace
  • Sustainable communities of practice around pedagogy,  CPD OERs and employer engagement;
  • A project website and blog;
  • Enhanced capacity for the development and continued release of OERs within the theme of workplace learning

Key Focus Areas:

  • Specialist courses linked to the needs of particular sectors of employment;
  • Resources optimised for distance learning at the work-place or work-related learning;
  • Distinctive subjects, where a low volume of provision exists currently and a need to produce academic learning materials to support the professionalization of the graduate workforce.

Organisations

 Single HE institution project working with four key employers:

  1. Fugro GeoConsulting (Geophysics, Geology, Geohazards and Geotechnical Engineering); a multinational company;
  2. Princess Yachts International plc; maritime manufacturer;
  3. South West Grid for Learning Trust; teachers’ learning trust;
  4. Plymouth NHS Trust.

Contact details