The Open University of the Netherlands has adopted several open educational practices and initiatives since 2006, including OpenER, Wikiwijs, the Networked Open Polytechnic, and the Free Technology Academy. OpenER offers open online courses derived from university programs and has attracted over 1 million visitors. Wikiwijs aims to improve access to open and closed educational resources. The Networked Open Polytechnic explores an open business model for lifelong learning. The Free Technology Academy provides open online master's course modules in information technology.

1. Open Educational Practices and the Open University in The NetherlandsBen JanssenMarch, 24, 2011

2. Context2006 start of OpenER project of OUNL as the first OER project in The Netherlands

3. 2007 OCW initiative of University of Technology Delft

4. 2008 Decision to build OUNL strategy on OER

5. 2009 start of the Dutch national project Wikiwijs

6. Start of Networked Open Polytechnic

7. 2010 start of OpenU

8. 2010 start of Free Technology Academy2

9. OpenER@OUNLOpenERa project offering small open educational courses, derived from OUNL bachelor and master programs, launched in December, 2006Objectiveslowering thresholds for access to formal Higher Education

10. widening and increasing participation in Higher Education3

11. MeansOffering of high-quality short open courses developed for self-study (each about 25 hrs)

12. By means of a ‘portal of temptation’ to HE

13. In order to bridge informal learning and formal education

14. And offering official examination options (earning Bachelor credits)4

15. 5FundingsThe Directorate Learning and Working, established by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Ministry of Social Affairs

16. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

17. Total funding €660,000Some dataMuch media attention