UNIR appointed Open Educational Resources ambassador for Europe

Logroño, La Rioja, Spain. 28 September 2021

The ICDE-UNIR Chair in Open Educational Resources was created 7 years ago with the aim of implementing actions focused on educational technology at an international level. These actions addressed topics such as learning analytics, personalised learning, open educational resources, innovation, teaching and learning models, gamification and social networks.

This chair had an initial duration of two years and, given its success, it has been extended to the present day. Now, after having fulfilled the objectives committed to, its activity has come to an end, but the Institute for Educational Research, Innovation and Technology (UNIR iTED) will continue to serve the open community through ICDE (The International Council for Open and Distance Education) by accepting the position of ambassador for open educational resources (OER) and forming part of the international advisory committee on OER (OERAC), representing Europe, for the next two years.

Daniel Burgos, who has been at the helm of this chair since its creation, has accepted the new position with enthusiasm:

“The integration of open educational resources, open policy and open science in formal academic programmes, and in vocational and adult education and training, is a challenge and an opportunity for the state of education. Especially in the wake of various crises, such as the one caused by COVID-19, or earthquakes, migrations and other tragedies that are experienced on a daily basis at the international level, and which hinder the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for adequate training, as well as for a successful integration into the labour market”.

About the ICDE-UNIR Chair in Open Educational Resources:

It contributes to the creation, transfer, dissemination and valorisation of knowledge in the field of eLearning and Open Educational Resources, with special attention to the combination of formal and informal learning environments, in order to promote universal access to education.

It develops and maintains a research network, facilitating collaboration between recognised researchers, UNIR research teams and other university institutions, companies, user associations and other agents.

It fosters cooperation with local and international institutions, mainly in Europe and Latin America, facilitating scientific exchanges between students, teachers and researchers, as well as the participation of the Administration, experts and professionals in the sector.