Step-by-step plan Learning without obstacles

Complete the step-by-step plan to determine what the preferences for agile education are and to take the first steps on the road towards learning without obstacles.

Investigate what obstacles are creating problems within the institution

Involve learners, teaching staff, support staff and regional partners to find out what their requirements and preferences are. These could vary from more options to choose from (either within the study programme or elsewhere) up to and including greater flexibility in study times and aligning with the regional or wider labour market.

For inspiration, see: Studentbehoeften in het kader van flexibilisering (“students’ requirements for greater flexibility”), published by the Netherlands Initiative for Education Research (NRO)

Develop a vision and strategy for learning without obstacles

Define a distinct vision of what learning without obstacles means for your institution. Create a strategic plan to translate that vision into concrete targets and actions, with a timetable and priorities. It is important for learning without obstacles to align with the institution’s goals and its overall vision on education.

Redesign curriculums and education programmes

Make the structure and subject matter of the curriculums more flexible, for example by offering modular education where students can choose components that match their specific interests and requirements. Explore what educational and organisational standards the institution can introduce and apply to achieve this.

For inspiration, see: Modulair studeren inzetten voor flexibel onderwijs (“using modular study for flexible education”), published by the Netherlands Initiative for Education Research (NRO)

Explore development requirements among teaching staff and support staff to facilitate learning without obstacles

For learning without obstacles to be successful, the teaching staff and support staff have to be properly prepared for the changes. If necessary, offer training and assistance to help them adjust to online or blended teaching, applying new didactic methods and guiding learners through their learning pathways.

Investigate to what extent your institution is ready for future resources

To prepare for everything that is being developed for learning without obstacles, you can conduct a scan of your institution. The scan has two central questions: “Are you willing?” and “Are you prepared?” After completing a series of questions with different scores, you are shown where you stand and what you can do to prepare for new digital sector resources for agile education.

Gain experience with available resources

Several sector resources are already available to support agile education, for example edubadge, eduID and OOAPI.

To get started with one of these resources, or if you have any questions, get in touch with Npuls. A dedicated adoption team provides advice and assistance during the implementation process. You can contact them by sending an email to adoptieteam@npuls.nl.

Sign up for the microcredentials pilot or project

We are working on microcredentials in tertiary education. Already 27 vocational education and training schools have signed up for the pilot and 35 universities of applied sciences and 14 research universities are taking part in the project.

To find out more about microcredentials or about taking part in the pilot or the project, ask your institution’s microcredentials project leader.