Projects

OOFAT

Study on models for Online, open, Flexible and technology enhanced higher education

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Examining existing practice of OOFAT (Open, Online, Flexible and Technology enhanced) learning in higher education across the globe, with a focus on exemplary distance provision models which have become common practice for some providers, but would require a pathway to innovation for many others.

Overview

OER Hub are collaborating with the Research Institute for the Economics of Education and Social Affairs, Berlin (FiBS) to carry out research on behalf of the International Council for Distance Education. The research covers existing practice of OOFAT (Open, Online, Flexible and Technology enhanced) learning in higher education across the globe, with a focus on exemplary distance provision models which have become common practice for some providers, but would require a pathway to innovation for many others. Part of the study’s remit is to point to such possible pathways to innovative, sustainable practice. The emphasis is on models that have evidence of sustainability, or can demonstrate a viable business model, rather than highlighting emergent trends which have yet to prove themselves sustainable in practice.

The role of IET

Developing the OOFAT framework, conducting desktop research and interviews with global education providers and writing the final report.

Impact

Report published by ICDE. It has been an influential model and has since been used by other researchers in publications (as can be seen here) as well as our own publication, JIME, which can be accessed here.