Open Learning Research Capability

Here in the UK the Brexit decision is still causing shock. It has definitely happened however hard it is to believe. My guess is that it will do so much damage that there will be a reverse decision later. Not that the past can be recreated, just that the UK is unlikely to move from where it is on the map.

So what to do meanwhile? I sometimes fantasise about imagined space so this may be another sort of metaphor, but it might also work in practice.

Open Learning is a term I have known at least since the DELTA project from the EU in the 80s. There are many other words but it seems a good place to start. Of course it is possible and probable that knowledge around Open Learning is shared. But formal funded research still has a role. Personally I am mostly on the edge of this but I am still sort of aware that it is happening.

After Brexit the UK could be cut off from EU projects, The funding is less of a problem than the isolation. Over the next two years (or however long it takes) there could be some work on better links. I think Scotland must have a large role in this as the EU must recognise the intention for Scotland to be part of the EU at some time.  Dublin is not far away but the borders could be more complicated. They have a solid technology base. Worth exploring, this is only the first version of this post.

Early next year I will be at the BETT event at Excel in London. Gradually the UK has less and less input from government policy. Usually a minister makes a speech but presumably there will be even less in 2017 on EU potential. (Also a speech by sponsor Microsoft so not a lot on Open Source either...)  There is a strong French presence and they make presentations also. Probably others, will check later.

So my thought is to write an article or blog post during Jan 2017 to link to any info then available. Any link suggestions welcome. Needs some sort of map or online content but real space exists also. So ideas about place? Aim is link Open Learning research to EU project.