IET has long led pedagogical development in digital learning and teaching, building a history of exploring innovative ways to drive developments in education and educational technologies. These developments feed into university practice at the OU and showcase our expertise to educational institutions globally, informing innovation worldwide.
IET are pioneers in the use of Open Educational Resources (OER), open educational practices and open pedagogies in online teaching and learning. From developing the first e-portfolio course, the first post-graduate course on FutureLearn, and the new Masters in Online Teaching, our use of blending paid-for modules with open practices, resources and pedagogies allow students and society to benefit through capacity-building.
IET has led on the development of learning design, which has now been adopted as an approach across the university for developing modules. Our academics combine pedagogical expertise with an evidence-informed approach, grounded in cutting-edge research to lead in the advancement of education. This approach has been disseminated through our curriculum, training educators from institutions around the world to implement digital teaching and learning in their own setting.
Leading in the development of online teaching and learning approaches for low resource settings, we have provided extensive guidance to the TESSA (Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa) and TESS-India project around the use, localization and evaluation of open educational resources. We have worked with the Commonwealth of Learning in evaluating their MOOC provision and with supporting their partners in evaluating technology-enhanced learning implementation in the global South.
IET’s pedagogical expertise has informed our rapid development of microcredential courses at undergraduate and post-graduate levels to meet urgent sector needs; given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These shorter modules allow educators to upskill and develop, in order to meet contemporary needs in education and the shift to remote teaching.
IET also leads on The Open University’s institutional scheme for Accrediting & Promoting Professional Learning & Academic Development (Applaud). Accredited by Advance HE, the Applaud scheme aligns with the UK Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (UKPSF) and has been developed for those who teach and support learning, directly or indirectly. Applaud offers individuals the opportunity to gain both an Open University Applaud Fellowship and external recognition as an Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow of the HEA.
Editorial
New OU MA in Online Teaching launches with global availability
The OU has launched its new MA in Online Teaching and Post Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching, bolstering its post-graduate offering with a globally available course which provides a unique opportunity to study the theory and practice of online and blended teaching.
PhD in Educational Technology
The PhD in Educational Technology is a three-year full-time programme of study, for students who already have a recognised Research Masters qualification in a relevant area.
EdD Doctorate in Education
The Doctorate in Education (EdD) is an innovative programme designed for professionals in education and related areas who want to extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational issues.
Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching
The Open University's Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching offers the opportunity to study the theory and practice of online teaching of online and blended teaching, through content created to be used effectively and equitably, across multiple sectors, to engage diverse learners and meet their needs.
Microcredentials
IET has pioneered in developing some of the first microcredentials to be offered by the OU.
Applaud
Applaud is The Open University’s institutional scheme for Accrediting & Promoting Professional Learning & Academic Development.