The Make it Open consortium started the project with extensive mapping and research into the concept of OS. Using Service Design, a thorough understanding of the context where schools, teachers and learners operate was created. By developing this shared knowledge, some of the apparent obstacles to entry were anticipated and accessible introductory resources were created.
The project has developed 16 modular Learning Scenarios (LS) - lesson plans that have been co-created with teachers on several STEAM topics for elementary and junior high schools. They have been designed in a way that makes it easy for educators to use, adapt or mix them so that they fit into any educational context. These LS were first piloted by 8 schools in 4 different countries and then used in 156 schools across 10 countries. They are modular, and based on methodologies that impart an array of skills.
Another important result of the project is the OS Navigator. It is an online platform, translated into 10 languages, that supports the accessibility of the Make it Open resources. It enables educators to test OS approaches and support them in its long-term uptake. All the materials on the Navigator are licensed under the Creative Commons licence allowing teachers, educators and any stakeholders to copy, redistribute, adapt, and remix the materials for their purposes. The Navigator will continue existing beyond the end of the project, serving its community of educators.
Make it Open formed 10 national hubs in several countries in Europe and beyond – Greece, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The main objective of the hubs was to support schools in their transformation from traditional educational institutions to spaces of community well-being. This was done through and beyond the creation of various partnerships with parents, industry actors, non-formal learning organisations, policymakers and researchers. The hubs provided mentorship to 156 schools, reaching 17,000 students.
The project has been running evaluation and impact assessment activities using the Proof of Concept methodology. Through three studies, the impact of the Make it Open interventions on the community of learners was investigated. They examined both short-term and long-term effects, specifically focusing on students and teachers. This approach allowed to assess changes in critical aspects, including students’ learning environments and parental involvement in learning activities. All of the results were summarised in a comprehensive toolkit that captured the essence of the Make it Open approach.
Communication and scaling of OS were also a major part of the project. Results of the project were widely spread through online channels and were presented at more than 40 national and international events. Most important outcomes were also circulated among European Schoolnet’s network of Ministries of Education and Scientix to guarantee wider outreach. More than 1,000 people registered to the project MOOC, while over 600 actively participated, reaching over 12,000 students. The online course was designed to introduce participants to OS as well as Maker Movement’s ideas and pedagogy.
Finally, the Open Schooling Together (OStogether) network was created. It became the hub for projects in OS and science education. During the three years the network has been existing, it has included 16 projects. Although all of the projects have a different approach to OS, the common ground is that placing schools in the centre of community well-being is central to them. The network has created joined communication channels and organised common inspiration sessions, events and workshops.
