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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 Masters in Online and Distance Education, 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.