The LORO Project
The LORO Project developed by the Department of Languages at the Open University UK was awarded highly commended status by the international jury. This was in the category of Learning Contexts, awarded to learning professionals who produce OER, who actively share their work, and who motivate and inspire their colleagues. Submissions were required to provide learner statements as testament to the successful incorporation of student feedback, and communication to students of the value of openness.
Anna Comas-Quinn of the Open University UK is pictured at the awards ceremony receiving her award from Dr. Luciano Sathler, Vice-President of ABED, representing jury member Professor Fred Litho.
About the LORO Project
In 2009, LORO (Languages Open Resources Online) was launched, funded by JISC and the Open University to create a repository where the online teaching materials used by teachers at the Department of Languages could be stored and shared openly. Its function was closely linked to the efficient delivery of resources to all stakeholders but also to skills and professional development for language teachers. LORO was conceived as a tool for teachers and language teaching professionals, benefitting language learners indirectly through the enhancement in the quality and variety of resources used by language teachers at the institution.
Jury statement
The jury noted that although the initiative is currently internally focused, it has the potential to be a showcase for other institutions. “It is anchored in a clear vision and strategy and aims fundamentally to change the practice of both academics and student teachers to include processes of sharing, showcasing, adapting and re-using resources.”
The jury for the learning contexts award was composed of Jenny Glennie, Executive Director at the South African Institute for Distance Education, Dr. Carl Holmberg, Former Secretary General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (Chair), and Professor Fred Litto, President of the Brazilian Association for Distance Education (ABED).
See details of all initiatives recognized in the OPAL Awards
