Feedback on Version 2.0 of the elevator pitch
OERu is a sustainable conduit connecting learners from around the world with an affordable, accessible education developed by a network of international higher education institutions. Through OERu, learners gain the opportunity to develop their knowledge and earn globally recognized credentials.
Rationale: Portraying OERu as a conduit vs. a pathway/road/highway helps clarify that there is a define route to recognized credentials. The sustainable aspect shows there is a support system in place to ensure this endeavour isn't just a flash in the pan (while we can say we are scalable, our actions will need to demonstrate that we actually are)
Building on this basic foundation, our future communications have the ability to expand to meet the needs/expectations of the target audience,
Version 2 is a big improvement. I'd suggest a couple changes to tighten things up a notch: 1) "international higher education institutions" -> "international tertiary institutions" (I think "tertiary" is well known, and is more specific than "higher education", no?), 2) "learners gain the opportunity to develop" -> "learners can develop".
I agree with 'learners can develop' - much more direct language. 2 verbs is muddy. I'm OK either way with HE vs tertiary, happy to go with the majority.
I prefer "higher education," to try to target the "VOA Special English" vocabulary.
Hi Jason.
Yes - Version 2 of the elevator pitch is way better! It's not an easy ask to get this right for a complex distributed organisation like the OERu. I note Dave's point and preference for international tertiary institutions, however our network includes a number of non-teaching agencies. I think the concept of higher education is more encompassing in that it could include non-teaching institutions?
Open questions:
Do we need to state that OERu offerings are of high quality or meet "industry" quality standards? Or is that a given?
The concept of "sustainable conduit" is an awkward formulation - it doesn't flow easily off the tongue and I was left asking what does this mean? I first needed to read the rationale before I understood the concept.
I can see the attraction for prospective partners joining a sustainable collaboration (as opposed to a flash in the pan) and the importance of communicating this value clearly and succinctly. I'm not sure that the current formulation achieves this?
mmm - thinking out loud - What about The "OERu is a sustainable innovation partnership connecting learners ...."
Innovation is one of the important reasons (and benefits) for joining the OERu - so why not state this?
Feedback from Phil Ker (EXCOM member of the OERu Council of CEOs and Chief Executive, Otago Polytechnic).
- "I am comfortable with version 2. Perhaps, though, consider an adjective to qualify the OERu members eg ‘…an INTERNATIONAL network of REPUTABLE/CREDIBLE higher education institutions.
- BTW looking at the marketing plan, I do not see us addressing how we cross market the OERu from member institutions. This is very important in my view, and covers things like linked web presence (OERU to each member) and incorporating OERu marketing in the usual marketing channels and tools used by individual members. We need consistency here, and to get that consistency need advice and guidelines."
Feedback from David Porter...
I’m in favor of a much simpler and direct approach.
“We connect learners from around the world with free and accessible tertiary education courses developed by a network of international higher education partners. Through OERu, learners can develop their knowledge and earn globally recognized credentials at an affordable cost.”
Feedback from Robin Day, Chair of the OERF Board of Directors:
Hi Wayne, I like version 2 because it it clear and succinct - i would suggest the addition of a couple of words … and educators - see below
- OERu is a sustainable conduit connecting learners and educators from around the world with an affordable, accessible education developed by a network of international higher education institutions. Through OERu, learners gain the opportunity to develop their knowledge and earn globally recognized credentials.
Feedback from Alan Davis, President and Vice Chancellor, KPU:
- I am inclined to support David Porter’s approach, but we need something on credibility or quality or whatever. BTW, “conduit” is a lovely word but ...
