OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 2014

Tuesday 13:00-14:30 (4), Mezzanine Balcony

Type: Poster

Theme: Open policy, research, scholarship and access

http://www.fosteropenscience.eu/ #oer14 #abs52

Authors

Dr Birgit Schmidt, Scientific Manager, Goettingen State and University Library, [email protected]
Dr Eloy Rodrigues, Director, University of Minho Documentation Services, [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction

Via open access to all kinds of research outputs, European Research has a lot to gain and is particularly beneficial for the next generation of researchers which will find a broad range of digital methods of learning and research at their fingertips. However, when it comes to the practicalities there is a clear need for knowing better how things work: what kind of materials are out there for reuse, how and where to share findings and materials, and what kind of use and reuse are actually permitted?

FOSTER – Foster Open Science Training for European Research – a European Commission-funded project sets out to fill this gap. It aims to accelerate knowledge and practices of open access and open science, especially among young researchers, across all fields. In addition, it will mobilize related stakeholders, such as project managers, administrators, and librarians, to support this aim.

Methods

FOSTER’s training strategy will use a combination of methods and activities, from face-to-face training, to the use of e-learning, blended and self-learning, as well as the dissemination of training materials/contents/curricula and a helpdesk. Face-to-face trainings will target graduate schools in European universities and in particular will train trainers/teachers/multipliers that can conduct further training and dissemination activities in their institution, country and disciplinary community. FOSTER will combine experiences and materials to show-case best practices and set the scene for an active learning and teaching community for open access practices across Europe.

Results

The poster will present the strategies and activities as to how FOSTER targets young researchers and other stakeholders with the aim of mobilizing them for a wide adoption of open access, in particular in the context of the policies and rules set out by the European Commission. We will showcase the first tools in support of training in institutions, bringing together a wide range of resources and outlining pilot trainings.

References

European Commission. (2012). Towards better access to scientific information: boosting the benefits of public investments in research. COM(2012) 401 final. Brussels: EC. Available from: http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society/document_library/pdf_06/era-communication-towards-better-access-to-scientific-information_en.pdf. [Accessed 26 November 2013]
European Commission. (2013). Opening up education: innovative teaching and learning for all through new technologies and open educational resources. COM(2013) 654 final. Brussels: EC. Available from: http://ec.europa.eu/education/news/doc/openingcom_en.pdf. [Accessed 26 November 2013]

Link to the video of Birgit presenting the poster at OER14: https://vimeo.com/93897352