Figure 1: The OEP Cube Maturity Model

this we have now developed a set of guidelines for stakeholders (for learners, teachers, institutional managers and policymakers). These can be used by individuals or institutions to benchmark their current OER practice and then to guide them through a vision for the further development of OERs and an implementation plan. The guidelines are available to download from the OPAL website (http://www.oer-quality.org/the-opal-initiative/). Given the current financial context, where public funding is likely to decrease considerably over the next few years, finding ways to share resources effectively becomes even more crucial. The OEP Cube Maturity Model could form the impetus for providers to initiate discussions in their organisations about how best to find and share resources, in essence, about open educational practice.

Grainne Conole is Professor of Learning Innovation and Director of the Beyond Distance Learning Alliance, University of Leicester. She is a member of the core team of the OPAL initiative. Eta De Cicco is an education consultant, specialising in the use of technology to support teaching and learning.

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