Open Learning Network

OLnet Tools

In Cloudworks you can create entries describing any object as a "cloud". You can then collect them into "cloudscapes", comment on them, link them together and share. This allows us to work together to create items about events, resources or ideas.

Cloudworks is simple and flexible and a great place for working with like minded people.

Cohere is the place to develop big ideas. In OLnet we want to find out what the issues are and to work with them. Cohere is a tool that helps you work with ideas by annotating them, linking them with other information on the web, and making meaningful connection between them. Cohere is a freely hosted web application that anyone can use, not just those working on Open Educational Resources.

Compendium is a knowledge map software tool for visual thinking. Knowledge Mapping is a key skill in 21^st century lifelong learning. Fragments of information are linked in a map to make information easier to access. Compendium is based on many years research on the use of such tools in educational and workplace settings.

• People are able to see what they are thinking.
• Helps people to manage large amounts of information – e.g. in government, education, business and research.

Visit the Compendium Institute site to download the software.

Compendium LD is a knowledge mapping software tool to design learning activities.

Visit the Compendium LD site to download the software.

Other OLnet Resources

The Open Learning Initiative is Carnegie Mellon University's open educational website.

Using intelligent tutoring systems, virtual laboratories, simulations, and frequent opportunities for assessment and feedback, OLI builds courses that are intended to enact instruction – or, more precisely, to enact the kind of dynamic, flexible, and responsive instruction that fosters learning.

OpenLearn is the Open University's initiative to share some of its content and tools as Open Educational Resources. OpenLearn gives access to two key tools that researchers (and anybody else) can use:

• The Compendium knowledge mapping software to download and use; and,
• FM live flashmeeting for free to use video conferencing.

OpenLearn is also a good resource for looking at a range of OER materials in use by learners and educators.