In evaluating the policy framework of an institution, the following steps may be useful.
Explain the purpose of the policy review.
Collect information about the mission, strategic plans, teaching and learning, human resource and ICT policies and procedures.
Establish the context and indicate whether the vision, mission and strategic planning are collaboration and OER 'friendly'.
Identify challenges and opportunities.
For example:
Challenge
Relevance to Collaboration and/or OER
Curriculum/Course Materials Challenges
The panel found that in some departments, the curriculum had not been reviewed for many years. (2b)–Visitation Report, Executive Summary)
Concerning graduate study, the Panel recommends: an urgent review of graduate programmes by departments for relevance and breadth of courses... (2d)–ibid)
... Library... collection of books... is inadequate... (Council Statement, Infrastructure and Resources, (viii)
Development of new courses can be accelerated through collaborative processes, sharing of course materials, and harnessing of existing OER – an objective of Health OER;
Systematic auditing and re-licensing of materials can serve as vehicle to monitor relevance of curricula and study materials;
Existing OER libraries can be made available locally and updated regularly without incurring licensing/acquisition costs.
↑Sourced, with permission, from OER Africa website: www.oerafrica.org/policy
