In an academic institution, a strong policy is the foundation that guides operations, mirroring and harmonizing with the strategic direction of the university. At Queensland University of Technology (QUT), an Open Educational Resources (OER) policy was endorsed in 2016, making it one of the first OER policies implemented in an Australian university. Jointly developed by QUT’s Learning and Teaching Unit and the Library, the purpose of the policy is to provide clear direction to the University’s staff and students with relation to the adoption, adaptation, or creation of OERs.
The initial version of the policy supported the development of open educational resources, including some open textbooks. The Library and Learning and Teaching Unit were natural partners in this venture: the Library would support staff to find suitable resources; and the Learning and Teaching Unit would provide technical, curriculum and platform support, as well as strategic consideration. In Semester 2, 2020 the University launched the Open Textbooks with Pressbooks Pilot with the aim of understanding if the Pressbooks publishing platform was fit for purpose in supporting the adoption, adaptation and creation of open textbooks for positive academic and student outcomes.
This pilot, delivered by the Library and the Learning and Teaching Unit, was deemed successful and among the recommendations, Pressbooks is now the endorsed platform for OER creation and adaption at QUT; and the policy received further refinement and changes reflected in the wide range of perspectives and growing expertise.
A strong policy is often the linchpin that ensures consistency, fairness, and accountability in decision-making processes within an academic institution. The QUT OER policy serves as a roadmap, outlining clear expectations, responsibilities and standards for all stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and administrators.
While use and creation of OERs at QUT was slow at first, we appear to be beginning to turn the corner. Momentum is definitely growing at QUT to adopt, adapt, and create open textbooks. Cultural and organisational change can be a gradual process, even when supported by a strong policy. We have found that advocacy efforts and implementation strategies must be aligned to the requirements of teaching staff and the resources available for providing training and support within the institution. It's crucial to minimize barriers to facilitate smooth progress.
This lightning talk focuses on the importance of partnerships in supporting the development of a robust OER policy. In 2024, QUT’s OER policy will be updated again to reflect emerging global practices.
Included in
[Session 2D]: Practice and Policy in OEAuthor Keywordsopen education resources, policy development, partnerships, collaboration
