The Importance of OERs in Delivering a Flexible CPD Degree Framework

Presented by Steven Gomez at the OER 11 Conference in Manchester, May 2011

Introduction

• Topic: The use of Open Educational Resources (OER) in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Context: CPD within a framework for crediting CPD learning
• Project: Learning from Work Project, funded by the Higher Education Academy and JYSK
• Objective: To provide a flexible degree framework through OERs

Main Use and Context for OERs

• Primary Use: Support for CPD activities
• University Role: Knowledge transfer through CPD
  • Apply new knowledge from research and scholarship
  • Engage with employers
  • Develop a graduate workforce
• CPD Courses: Often bite-sized, freestanding, short courses
  • May not be part of degree programs
  • Usually non-accredited
  • May lack assessment of learning

Challenges in Delivering CPD

1. Non-Traditional Learners: Need for Flexibility
   • Part-time students, those with work or family commitments
   • Require distance, blended learning, evening lectures, etc.
2. Professionalization of Workforce
   • Industry using academic credit to legitimize training
   • Increasing interest in accredited CPD courses
   • Diversifying income streams for universities
3. University Challenges
   • Centralized database for CPD activities
   • Maintaining a rapidly changing catalog
   • Accreditation (academic credit vs. professional standards)
   • Ensuring quality assurance for non-accredited courses
   • Structure/framework for CPD courses within degree programs
4. Distance and Blended Learning Demands
   • High-quality distance learning materials required
   • Investment needed for development
   • Rapid response to employer demand for bespoke materials
5. Work-Based Learning Acceptance
   • Validity and integration within degree programs

CPD Framework at University of Plymouth

• Framework: Aggregation of accredited CPD short courses into degrees (Bachelor's, Master's)
• Learner Flexibility: Step on and off as needed
• Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert):
  • 30 credits work-based learning modules
  • 30 credits specialized modules
• Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip):
  • 30 credits research methods
  • 30 credits specialized modules
• Master's Degree:
  • Complete research project/dissertation
• Focus: Learner’s workplace as the curriculum context

Learning from Work Project and OERs

• Five Main Topic Areas:
  1. Work-based learning
  2. Research methods
  3. Leadership
  4. Coaching and mentoring
  5. Management
• Engagement: University lecturers producing 360 credits for degrees
• Funding Impact: Make materials available across the higher education sector

Benefits of OERs in CPD

• For Learners: Accessible, flexible, on-demand learning
• For Universities: Showcase academic provision, encourage lifelong learning, support learning development
• For Higher Education Sector: Improve quality of materials, foster community of practice
• For Industry: On-demand use to meet immediate needs, grow knowledge capital, competitive edge

Conclusion

• Contact: Project website for further information
• Impact: Broad support for varied stakeholders including learners, universities, education sector, and industry