The document discusses the use of open educational resources (OERs) in an online PhD course at the University of Limerick. It describes how the course was delivered using a blended model with an online component. For one module on developing ideas and arguments, the library explored using SCORM packages from open sources to enhance the online experience. SCORM packages allow learning materials to be integrated into a learning management system. The library had a positive experience using OER SCORM packages for this module. In the future, the library plans to expand use of OERs and SCORM packages for other courses and develop resources to contribute back to the OER community.

1. Brewing up a SCORM
Using open educational resources in an accredited PhD course at the
University of Limerick

2. Introducing the presenters
Ashling Hayes
Head of Research Services,
Glucksman Library, UL
Michelle Breen
Head of Information Services,
Glucksman Library, UL

3. Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills History of
the course and delivery mode
• Launched at UL in May 2014
• Developed to support researchers undertaking structured PhD programmes at the
University of Limerick
• Provides researchers with a range of generic and transferable skills that serve them,
both in the completion of their research and in the career path that they may follow
after their graduation
• Delivered by librarians with faculty from UL’s School of Law, Education & Health
Sciences, Kemmy Business School and the UL Centre for Teaching & Learning
• Includes 1 compulsory residential week and three 4-week online components and a final
week for assignment submission
• Delivered through a blended model of learning, through preparatory study followed by 5
full days on campus, supported subsequently by on-line interaction, task completion
and portfolio development

4. 18 ECTS Level 9 postgraduate course
• Research Networking: Developing An Academic Profile CM8003
• Research Ethics LA8013
• Research Integrity ES80002
• Developing Ideas & Arguments: Writing into Academic
Communities TL8013
• Digital Research Management CS8013
• Planning Research & Publication TL8003
Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills
Course outline
SCORM tutorials were used for the final module listed here

5. How many PhD students did the course?
29
32
38 38 39
2015 / 16 2016 / 17 2017 / 18 2018 / 19 2019 / 20

6. https://pixabay.com/illustrations/robot-oer-open-educational-resources-3263267/

7. Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills
Reasons we explored OER at UL Library
• Enhance online learning experience for participants
• Explore availability of high quality, scholarly instructional
packages
• Infuse the modules with new engaging content
• Save development time
• Demonstrate library’s intent re. use of OERs in online
education

8. Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills
What SCORM packages did we use?
The online component of TL8003 was broken into 4 weeks
Week 1
• Overview of maximising research impact with instruction on how to select high impact
journals
Week 2 (SCORM packages used here)
 Open Access and how it can support the impact of your work
 What is Open Science https://www.fosteropenscience.eu/node/2326
 Open Access Publishing https://www.fosteropenscience.eu/node/2331
 Open Peer Review https://www.fosteropenscience.eu/node/2333
Week 3
• Altmetrics and Research Output Plan
Week 4
• Researcher Profiles and the Research Information Landscape

9. Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills
What is a SCORM package?
• SCORM stands for ‘Shareable Content Object Reference Model.
• SCORM is a technical specifications standard
• When LMSs and e-Learning materials are made using these
specifications, they become seamlessly compatible with each other
You CAN begin with Powerpoint slides and create a SCORM compliant
course from there
• All the training materials for one course are packed into a SCORM
package, a .zip archive that contains files in a specific hierarchy. To
deliver your e-courses via an LMS, SCORM has its three main
components that work together :
 Content packaging: This outputs the course in a ZIP file.
 Run-time: This launches the course in a web browser.
 Sequencing: This dictates how your learners navigate through the course.

10. Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills
What does a SCORM package look like and how did it work?

11. Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills Our
experience of using OERs in the online element of the course
• Good range of content available online from sources such as Foster Open
Science
• Easy to load to the VLE
• Easier to use than creating material on Articulate
• Less expensive than commercial resources like Epigeum
• Home-grown resources need to be updated, this requires staff time
• Willingness from our IT colleagues to assist
• Students interacted well with the material
• Assignments submitted demonstrated that the students achieved their learning
outcomes by using the OERs provided

12. Certificate in Generic and Transferable Research Skills
Future plans for further use of OERs in UL Library
• Expand the use of SCORM packages in the second library module on this
course i.e. Digital Research Management
https://www.fosteropenscience.eu/courses
• Explore SCORM packages for undergraduate teaching
• Contribute something back to the OER community when we develop resources
• Create SCORM compliant courses
https://hurix.com/create-scorm-compliant-course/

13. Thank you
Ashling Hayes
Head of Research Services,
Glucksman Library, UL
Michelle Breen
Head of Information Services,
Glucksman Library, UL