policy-making
Mainstreaming eLearning in National Policies: How can we make change happen?
This paper is based on a dialogue that summarises and responds to Workshop 08 of the Digital Agenda Assembly: Mainstreaming eLearning in National Policies, which took place on June 16th, 2011. It explores new ideas regarding how to make change happen by asking: do we have concrete ideas on how to introduce change in our educational systems? The workshop generated debate on issues related to both policy and practice in order to involve stakeholders from the educational sector in a discussion on the best strategies for improving learning environments.
The Digital Agenda Assembly explored new ideas regarding how to make change happen in the educational system. At the eG8, Robert Murdoch recalled that education was a pending challenge for our already digital societies. However, the question remains: do we have concrete ideas about how to make changes in educational systems?
The politics and practices surrounding the integration of technology and education raise many questions, and the extent to which this integration enacts real change is currently a critical debate within our field. Therefore, this discussion opens with a series of challenges related to the discourse on change, expressed in terms of four key areas: innovation, infrastructure, impact and pedagogical vision.
Innovation has been identified as a necessary element for creating change but the best way for introducing innovative practices is not always clear. How can we capture the innovation that takes place at the local level? Are we sure that we can transfer innovation as it is, or would it be better to concentrate on the inspirational dimension of some initiatives, in order to generate a myriad of new ones?
Key Data on Education in Europe 2012
Initiative.eu
Initiative.eu is providing a unique and neutral online one-stop-shop community platform for stakeholders engagement in EU policy-making, combining good practices in electronic participation with effective electronic campaign and community building electronic services empowering EU stakeholders to mobilize, engage, educate, federate and successfully build support for their European Citizens’ Initiatives.
ALADIN - Adult Learning Documentation and Information Network. Directory of Members 2012
Despite rapid expansion of knowledge and new media, many in the adult learning community have to contend with shortages of information and resources in their work. This is particularly the case in developing countries. But better access to relevant information will improve the linkages between research, documentation and policy-making that are vital in meeting the needs of adult learning. Given such improvements, we would all benefit from more efficient project planning and less duplication of effort, more fruitful relationships and, above all, better-informed policy decisions. In line with its own dedication to the cause of lifelong learning, UIL is looking forward to coordinating further interesting and inspiring projects that support ALADIN’s vision of working for a global learning society, where information and knowledge on adult learning is created, well-documented and made accessible to all.
Open Education Week 5-10 March 2012. Call for participation
Join your colleagues around the world to increase understanding about open education!
Open Education Week will take place from 5-10 March 2012 online (www.openeducationweek.org) and in locally hosted events around the world. The objective is to raise awareness of the open education movement and open educational resources. There are several ways you and your organization can be involved:
- Provide a pre-recorded informational virtual tour of your project, work, or organization. This should be focused on the work you’re doing in open education, designed for a general audience. These can be done in any language.
- Offer a webinar. Webinars are well suited for topics of general interest, such as what’s happening in open education in a particular area or country, or topics that offer discussion possibilities. Webinars can be scheduled in any language, 24 hours a day. We would also like to feature question and answer sessions in a variety of languages and time zones.
- Pre-record a presentation on open education concepts. Do you have an inspiring presentation about open education? Can you discuss the issues that open education seeks to address in your country, region or globally? We plan to feature short, introductory overviews of open education and OER for different audiences, such as those new to the idea, policy makers, faculty, etc. Presentations in any language are welcome.
- Create or share text-based, downloadable information. This should be information on the open education movement, in any language, appropriate to introduce the movement and its important concepts to a variety of audiences. Specific information on your project can be linked to from the openeducationweek.org website.
- Sponsor or host a local event during the week of 5-10 March.This could be a community discussions, a forum on open education, a challenge and/or a celebration. We invite you to get creative with planning events. Suggestions and support will be available on the open education week web site, and the planning group is happy to work with you to create bigger impact.
You can participate by filling out the form available on the www.openeducationweek.org website, or contacting openeducationwk@gmail.com.
The OCW Consortium is coordinating this community run event. There is no cost to participate. Follow
- on twitter at #openeducationwk and facebook at facebook.com/openeducationwk.
- Please fill out the Open Education Week contributor’s form by January 20, 2012:
http://www.openeducationweek.org/participate/
You may also contact at openeducationwk@gmail.com
Participating Organizations
Fostering Governmental Support for OER Internationally
The Commonwealth of Learning is spearheading an initiative to get governments worldwide to recognise officially the importance of sharing open educational resources (OER). The initiative is being led by COL President Sir John Daniel. Sir John is working in partnership with colleagues at COL and UNESCO to consult with governments and develop a statement that supports the principle of open access to educational materials developed with public funds.
Future Classroom Lab
The Future Classroom Lab is created by European Schoolnet, its supporting 30 ministries and industry partners to help visualise how conventional classrooms and other learning spaces can be easily reorganised to support changing styles of teaching and learning.
Eurobarometer survey on Active Ageing
To mark the European Year, Eurostat, has released the new publication "Active ageing and solidarity between generations – a statistical portrait of the European Union 2012", prepared in collaboration with the European Commission and Eurofound. The European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations aims to encourage all key players to do what they can to create a society where older people can play their part. It is a huge opportunity to raise awareness, to exchange good practice and, most importantly, to foster a change in attitudes and policies.
The Importance of Technology - A Collaborative White Paper for Schools
This paper examines the current position of UK education in this fast moving landscape and examines the lessons from other countries. It makes recommendations that will help support current education policy and guide schools in providing opportunities for all our students.
Council conclusions on language competences to enhance mobility
A good command of foreign languages is a key competence essential to make one's way in the modern world and labour market. Multilingualism is not only part of the European heritage but also a chance to develop a society which is open, respectful of cultural diversity and ready for cooperation.