Activities for each initiative
Each of the initiatives will require a number of activities to achieve the envisaged outputs within the logic model. So for example, the Open design and development initiative will require staff, who have the capability and skills for the collaborative development of OER with knowledge of Creative Commons licensing. The Learning4Content project and the Open Content Licensing for Educators courses are examples of existing activities of the OER Foundation that will contribute to the achievement of the outputs of a particular initiative. Determining and selecting the first qualifications for the OER university is an example of an activity required for the Open Curriculum initiative.
The logic model is designed to provide a framework for international networking and collaboration where different institutions and individuals can take responsibility for leading the successful completion of the range of activities necessary for the attainment of the aims and objectives of an OER for assessment and credit for students project.
From logic model to plan for action
Sir John Daniel (2011b: Online) confirms that the "OER university" and the OER for assessment and credit for students concept has the potential to reduce the cost of higher education dramatically, suggests that the "examination-only" concept looks very modern in the world of digital OER and commends anchor partners for engaging in the movement as part of its community service mission. Taylor (2011c: Online) points out that the concept is "very sound but implementing it would take institutional commitment".
The project has identified the following priorities and suggestions for the way forward:
- Recruit a critical mass of anchor partners for the project. The OER Foundation, Otago Polytechnic, Athabasca University, and the University of Southern Queensland aim to identify an anchor partner from each major region of the world.
- Identify the selection criteria and select the inaugural qualifications for the OER for assessment and credit for students project. Anchor partners will collaboratively determine the criteria for deciding on the first credentials to be offered under the open curriculum initiative.
- Commence with collaborative and transparent planning of the activities required for each initiative. The project will identify champions for convening the development of the various activities under each initiative. UNESCO has confirmed that they will host the planning discussions for the project on their new OER community platform. This phase will require detailed planning of the respective activities including inputs, budgets, milestones, key performance indicators and outputs required to achieve the aims of the project. Planning will be conducted openly and transparently so that multiple organisations can participate thus avoiding duplication of effort. The project envisages collaborative development of funding proposals to be submitted to the international donor community for strategic components of the project.
