OpenLearn

Laura Dewis

Communications Manager, OpenLearn

Politicians may talk about tearing down barriers to education - this really achieves it. I applaud the OU for being the first in the UK to make their teaching material available in this way. I hope that this encourages other institutions to do the same, ensuring our country is firmly on the cutting edge of these new developments in learning.“

Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Sarah Teather MP

How is it being used?• 1 million visitors in Year 1• 90% new to the OU• 50% international• OU students and prospective students• Global HE community• Widening participation• Workforce training• Schools and colleges

Do you think it would be helpful to set up a 'Liberal Democrat Open Learning Online' group to look at how these openly available materials could impact on policy making and presentation and campaigning?

Edis, MKNE political information blog

“We have seen first hand the power and potential inherent in the medium. We are delighted to be able to champion those who are using technology to make a real difference to society."

John Kampfner, Editor, New Statesman, New Media Awards 2007

“OpenLearn [has] such huge potential for really changing the way in which people think about opportunities for raising their competencies and abilities through the workplace as well as being something they undertake outside the workplace.”

Hugh Tollyfield, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

"I would like to congratulate all the finalists in this year’s e-Government National Awards on having come this far. This is a very strong set of shortlisted nominees whom I hope will inspire others and show what can be done to improve public services for more people". Gillian Merron MP, Cabinet Office Minister with responsibility for Transformational

Government

“OpenLearn is a bold, imaginative initiative and I wish the OU every success in its delivery. In building sustainable economic development and prosperity HE has a huge role to play. OpenLearn not only helps take the OU forward but meets some of the development needs of some of the poorest people in some of the poorest parts of the world.”

Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning

Supporting skills development• UnionLearn• Lifelong Learning Networks – Sussex and SW• British Chambers of Commerce• Barnados – 50 SME’s• Plymouth City Children's Service – HEFCE funded

Higher Level Skills Pathfinder Project

“There is clearly an abundance of exciting and innovative work being undertaken in the sector and being able to recognise some of the best in this way will, we hope, encourage us all to think about how ICT can support all our learners, researchers and staff." Alison Allden, Deputy Registrar & Director of Information Services, University of

Bristol, THES/JISC Awards 2007