This “open education action lab” session aims to provide a brainstorming workshop discussing some preliminary findings and key issues raised in the 2015 OERu (Open Educational Resources University) input evaluation, particularly relating to the design practices of open online learning with formal credentialing and accreditation. Coordinated by the OER Foundation, OERu is an independent, not-for-profit organization with 36 participating Higher Education institutions worldwide, making higher education accessible to everyone by offering free OER-based online courses and “affordable ways for learners to gain academic credit towards qualifications from recognised institutions”. The evaluation aims to assess different design options and identify major challenges. The goals of this workshop are to report the lessons we have learned, facilitate discussions, and obtain feedback into our initial findings. On completion of the workshop, participants will have an in-depth understanding of design options and business models for open learning with formal credentialing as well as the major challenges based on the OERu practices. They will also have opportunities to share their own practices and insights.
