What is the review?

A cumulative evaluation and synthesis of the entire HEFCE funded intervention in OER - which includes all phases of UKOER and the Open University SCORE activities.

This will include:

1. Retrospective re-evaluation of the findings from phases 1 and 2, to include the gathering of further data from projects beyond their funded life.
2. Evaluation of currently active SCORE supported work, using a methodology compatible with the core UKOER methodology.
3. Retrospective evaluation of SCORE supported work, and the incorporation of this into the core UKOER methodology.
4. A cumulative synthesis of findings from the above strands and the parallel evaluation/synthesis of UKOER phase 3, and the presentation of this in formats suitable for researchers, policy-makers and a general audience.

As part of our evidence gathering, we conducted a survey with individuals involved in UKOER and/or SCORE supported activities, followed by a small selection of focused interviews. We also ran a short poll aimed at a much wider audience (those involved in public & private sector beyond HE/FE, strategy/management, curriculum development, IT, libraries, publishers, external engagement/KT, research networks).

These are reported in the following documents:

Review Surveys and Review Interviews

Anticipated outcomes

• A deeper understanding concerning the ways in which OER investment has brought about cultural and practical changes throughout the sector. (It is conceded that it is far too early to make a full judgement on these issues, but it should be possible to identify early indications)
• A deeper understanding of the efficacy of investment in OER via the various methods employed.
• A solid evidence base on which to base future OER – and related – activity.
• An evidenced claim for the international importance and world-leading status of the work supported by HEFCE in the OER field.

Anticipated outputs

• An early outline report on initial findings from synthesising the activities & outputs of SCORE work completed to date. This is intended to support the SCORE project in reporting to HEFCE (11 May 2012), rather than any deliberate separation of initiatives. This report is aimed at a general audience.
• An interim report aimed at HEFCE, JISC, Academy and OU strategic bodies, covering initial findings and issues faced; including final report on SCORE (July 2012)
  
• A final report intended for a specialist audience of researchers and enthusiasts, including a full release of gathered data and methodological documentation, and making recommendations for future research. (October 2012) This has been delayed.
•  A briefing paper aimed at the general reader, covering the main findings in a clear and approachable manner, making recommendations for future work in OER. (October 2012)This has been delayed.
• Presentations at meetings, workshops and conferences (ongoing and continuing beyond the formal period of the study).

The HEFCE OER review work is being undertaken by the UKOER Evaluation and Synthesis Team (Allison Littlejohn, Lou McGill, Isobel Falconer, Helen Beetham & Jay Dempster).

Short URL http://bit.ly/HEFCEreview