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Knowledge Resource NetworkFostering the exchange of innovative learning materials in higher education |
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The
Knowledge Resource Network (KRN), sponsored by the Cambridge-MIT Institute
(CMI), aimed to make learning objects developed for the CMI M.Phil. courses
available to other UK higher education institutions. The first phase of the
project involved the collection of materials used in these courses using a
digital respository. A large number of learning resources were added to
the KRN repository including lecture notes, case study materials, assessment
items, simulations and reading lists. These assets were compiled unconditionally,
and as a result the size and quality of resources varies. The second phase
of the project involved a range of research and development strands, alongside
activities aimed at fostering Communites of Practice (CoPs).
Lessons learnt from the KRN Project should not be lost. For this reason, research activities both informed the project and allowed us to report on it. The KRN team interviewed authors in order to understand the barriers to reuse and the ways materials are already being reused. The team engaged in observations of classroom exercises and interviews with students and staff involved in classes in order to develop a picture of how the learning materials are currently being used. Also, an evaluation focused on CoPs looked at the distinct groups of people associated with CMI and supported by the KRN project, with a view to exploring how wider CoPs associated with the groups can be supported by the reuse and sharing of educational materials and know-how. The KRN Final Report summarises the research findings from the project. Read more about KRN Research activities.
Most of the materials that were collected during the first phase of the project were developed for use in the CMI M.Phil. courses and not designed for reuse. Therefore an important area of activity included the selection of appropriate learning resources from the repository that could be adapted for use in other settings. KRN supported a series of Flagship Projects in order to refine and adapt selected resources from the KRN repository for use in UK Higher Education institutions. The KRN Flagship Projects promoted collaboration between institutions in order to develop existing materials. By fostering a small number of projects involving the adaptation of KRN materials, we aimed to refine and publish a subset of the KRN materials, and to catalyse further collaboration. Read more about KRN Development activities.
The KRN Workshop Series addressed specific topics relating to the project such as legal issues, Communities of Practice, and enablers and barriers to reuse. Read notes from the Workshops and further details about KRN Workshops.
For more information about the KRN Project, please contact Matthew Riddle matthewr@caret.cam.ac.uk
