Planning/Employability
I like this idea, especially since several partners are developing or have developed courses that link OER to academic studies--specifically, how students can utilize OER to take control of their studies and work toward a degree or other credential.
Two other comments on the survey:
1. There seems to be a leap from the discussion of a need for courses to be developed to the question of a credential. Since this seems to be intended to solicit help in building courses, I think there should be a question about that: Can your institution provide an open course, or contribute toward the completion of an open course, that would fit into the planned first-year credential? I see the 5th question addresses that--maybe it's only a question of organization.
2. The question about resources (#4) should be more explicit--you are clearly looking for financial resources, rather than labor or in-kind contributions (which is the subject of the subsequent question, which I think is even more important, especially for those institutions--most of us, in all likelihood--that are unable to contribute money).
Thanks for putting the survey together and for the opportunity to comment. Overall, I think it captures what was discussed at the OERu meeting in SA and will gather really helpful information. Two comments from me:
- The term '100 level courses' is used - I'm not sure what this refers to (perhaps it is a really common term that I just haven't come across!). Is it better to use the phrase first year level or commencing level or simply describe what this is?
- Following on from the point above, we spoke quite a lot in SA about the fact that different countries/states/regions have different requirements in relation to the need to complete content i.e. a first year at a SA university has different requirements to a first year in an Australian university. Does this need to be spelt out a bit more by people who are responding to the question on first year exit qualifications or would this be picked up through reviewing handbooks, etc?
I agree with you Catherine, as all universities use different terminology, it would be easy for misunderstandings to arise. There could be confusion about whether question 1 is about giving academic credit (transcript credit) or conferring an award (ie credential), as these are distinguished in the OERu draft credit transfer and articulation guidelines. Suggested alternatives:
Does your University have a Certificate or similar award that would allow students to achieve a credential on successful completion of the 1st full year of study? Does your University have a Certificate or similar framework that would allow students to gain transcript credit for successfully completing 1st year courses?
Question 2 Could "Business or IT" be separated? Could "Other" have a free text box so that we will know is meant by other.
I agree with Marc's point about question 4. As it stands I would expect most institutions would opt for No. Could options over a specified time period be provided?
