A boost for 11 collections of digital educational resources

11 brave collection owners took the stage and energetically pitched their plans to boost their collection. The pitches ranged from projects aimed at sustainable development goals (SDGs) to technological innovations such as 3D printed models and virtual patients for clinical reasoning. The variation in themes underlined not only the wealth of ideas, but also the different ways in which institutions are trying to contribute to impactful education and research.

Dragon’s Den

Collection owners could apply to the scheme with a plan for a boost. Those applications were assessed by a committee, which ultimately chose 11 applications to pitch to the Dragons’ Den. The Dragons’ Den panel consisted of: Stijn Bos, MD MSc (founder Project Tulip and doctor lecturer Amsterdam UMC), Pascal van der Kaa (programme manager Educational Renewal at ROC van Amsterdam), Jan-Bart de Vreede (domain manager Open Educational Resources and Metadata at Kennisnet) and Bolinda Hoeksema (manager library information specialists at HU).

Criteria: feasible, sustainable, reusable

After 4.5 minutes, the lights went out inexorably and the applicants were asked critical questions by the Dragons and the audience. About the sustainability and feasibility of the plans. About funding and what the money from the scheme will be used for. About the impact on education. And about the possibilities for (re)use. The pitchers’ commitment and their ability to convey complex concepts clearly and convincingly impressed both the panel and the audience.

Serve bite size portions

The panel highlighted the importance of ‘institution-neutral’ educational resources in several pitches. To enable reuse properly, it is important to build learning materials modularly and not put house style elements on them. So if you want to go open, make sure your materials are institution-neutral and modular. Or as Dragon Pascal van de Kaa so aptly said: ‘serve bite size portions.’

All collections get a boost

The Dragons had the task of distributing the budget of the Boost your collection scheme. And it was not made easy for them to choose. The pitches were carefully prepared and showed in-depth knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within the field. In the end, the Dragons decided that all 11 collection owners will receive a financial contribution as well as support from Npuls to boost their collections.

1. Case Cracking Videos – International Case Academy – Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
2. SDGs (incl. IDGs) – Avans University of Applied Sciences
3. Community Domain Applied Science – DAS Foundation
4. Virtual patients for clinical reasoning – Radboud UMC and Erasmus MC
5. Sharestats – EUR, UvA, VU, UU
6. Prime Catalogue – TUDelft
7. Nutritional Epidemiology – Wageningen University
8. 3D print models – VU Amsterdam
9. Vital soil for rural and urban areas – Saxion University of Applied Sciences – Soil Steering Lecturer Platform
10. Information Literacy – Inholland University of Applied Sciences and Wageningen University
11. Student support – Avans University of Applied Sciences

Want to know more about their plans? Then take a look at Boost your collection

Innovation is not only necessary, but also feasible

Stijn Bos, chairman of the Dragons, looks back on the day with pride. ‘This Dragons’ Den has shown that innovation in education is not only necessary, but also feasible – when we use our expertise and energy together. What made this day extra special was the effective use of the knowledge and expertise within Npuls. Several pitches were assessed not only for their current impact, but also for their potential to grow further together with Npuls. This was reflected in the constructive feedback from the panel, which not only asked critical questions but also made concrete suggestions to take projects to the next level. I look forward to seeing how the presented projects develop further’