Innovation

The Open University is a frontrunner in new learning technologies and educational insights. It offers all of its students an electronic learning environment (Studienet) through which they can easily communicate with each other and with their teachers. It enables them to download learning materials, and they can check their knowledge and skills with a short introductory opening test on Studienet.

Electronic learning environment

Our electronic learning environment, Studienet, was one of the first operational learning environments in the Netherlands. At this time over 20,000 students make use of Studienet, making it the country's largest electronic learning environment. For the short term, Open Universiteit Nederland has chosen to make use of Blackboard as a part of this environment.

New learning approach

We continuously work to improve and innovate its education and to support Dutch higher education in preparing for a new learning approach. Annually, our organisation invests nearly 7 million euros on its innovation task. This new learning approach features different types of learning experiences and flexibility in education methods.

Continuous improvement of study programmes

The extensive freedom and openness offered by its educational system sets heavy demands to the way education at the Open University is organised and on the materials used. Our faculties and the Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, which are responsible for the development and monitoring of courses, continuously work on the improvement of content, instructional methods and structure of the university's programmes. A well-balanced course design incorporates the use of linear and interactive electronic media where appropriate.

Course materials may include books and specially produced printed texts, audio and video materials, multimedia programmes and cd-roms, and communication through electronic networks: we offer a media mix where computers play a major role. All of these methods contribute to ongoing improvement and innovation.