iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Fresh up on the #OU_LD blog: Alice Gallagher, our new Interim Head of Learning Design, discusses the importance of collaboration in the field as well as how the role of #LearningDesign is evolving and what its future place in #HigherEd might look like. www.open.ac.uk/blogs/learni...

A group of Open University graduates at a graduation ceremony. They are wearing their blue graduation gowns with gold and black sashes. They are a representation of many ethnic backgrounds, different genders, and different ages. In the foreground the audience is cheering and waving hands for the grads.

020

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The next @altuk.bsky.social Digital Sustainability SIG webinar is on 30 September 11:00am. Title: Levers for Delivering Operational Sustainability in Higher and Further Education: the Concordat for Environmental Research in Research and Innovation Practice. Register: www.alt.ac.uk/civicrm/even...

100

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

Admirable Women @admirablewomen.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Physicist Dr. Ursula Franklin helped invent archaeometry--the application of materials science to analyze archaeological artifacts. She used modern physics tools to date/determine the compositions of ancient metals & ceramics to uncover how ancient peoples lived/worked. Born #OTD 1921. #WomenInSTEM

A charming photograph of Dr. Ursula Franklin (1921–2016), the pioneering Canadian experimental physicist, metallurgist, and humanitarian activist. She is positioned slightly off-center against a minimalist, solid slate-blue backdrop. Captured from the chest up, she looks off-camera to the right with a bright, genuine smile that showcases her warmth and sharp intellect. Her short, styled silver-grey hair frames her face, and she wears thin-framed, amber-toned glasses. She is dressed in a crisp, purple-and-white vertically striped button-down shirt. Around her neck hangs a delicate silver chain supporting a striking teardrop-shaped pendant featuring a vibrant orange-red stone or amber setting. The lighting is soft and even, accentuating the fine lines of a long, accomplished life. The clean, professional composition evokes a mood of joyful wisdom, deep dignity, and enduring historical significance, celebrating a legendary woman in STEM.

121241349

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

📣 Extended registration!! 📣 If you want to join what promises to be a fantastic international symposium connecting with colleagues from Texas to Malmo you have a bit more time to register. The date has been extended to the 21st September for conference registration.

100

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

European University Association (EUA) @eua.eu · 11/09/2026

In many universities, #sustainability is seen as a complex challenge to address through structured and coordinated responses. The focus lies on planning, integration and measurable outcomes. 🗺️ Mapping the framing of universities’ sustainability strategies: bit.ly/4agpRi9 #HigherEdSky

021

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

👉 Don't forget to sign up to attend the Teaching and Researching for a Just Transition: Planetary Boundaries and Ethics 2026 symposium (forajusttransition.org) taking place on 24 - 25 September. Make some room in your diary for the #OU_LD lightning talks on the 24th at 10am too! 📆

forajusttransition.org

Teaching and researching for a just transition

010

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

To complement the Teaching and Researching for a Just Transition: Planetary Boundaries and Ethics 2026 symposium ( forajusttransition.org ) taking place on 24 - 25 September, @openuniversity.bsky.social is hosting 3 online sessions exploring: 1/4

111

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Following on from our blog post last week where we talk about using playful learning to engage module teams when designing for students, this article seems well timed. Using playfulness to engage the students themselves. #OU_LD #LearningDesign www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/bring...

timeshighereducation.com

Bring playfulness into teaching for collaboration and creativity

In learning, playfulness is often overlooked. Yet it could be key to embedding the soft, ‘human’ skills students will need for the future. Isabel Taurel shows how

000

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

Olivia Kelly @oliviakellyou.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

As the new semester begins, it's time to start Series 2 of the @welspraxis.bsky.social Podcast. This month I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr Tamsin Smith about a recent Praxis project on young nursing students' in Scotland studying online. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/66Zv...

open.spotify.com

011

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Are you curious about how to create an educational game? In our newest blog post, members of the #OU_LD's Catriona and Clare offer their top tips drawing from their experience of designing the student experience game ‘Small Steps’. www.open.ac.uk/blogs/learni... #LearningDesign

Graphic design that reads: Walk some... small steps ...in a student's shoes. There are drawings of a board game and some shoe imprints that indicate footsteps.

120

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

IdaMae West @idamaewest.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Who knew Vonnegut had the soul of a true educator… 🍎 #teaching #education

041

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

European University Association (EUA) @eua.eu · 21/08/2026

University engagement for sustainability and greening has increased since EUA’s last survey on the topic in 2021. 📈 Most initiatives are based on voluntary commitment and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. 📘 Full survey report bit.ly/48yIEDT

011

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

Alexandra Mihai @anda19.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Patience is imposing our own rhythm over the rhythm of the world, not by ignoring it but by taming it with discipline and purpose. Read more on how to help students cultivate patience & perseverance in my latest newsletter: educationalist.substack.com/p/keep-calm-...

educationalist.substack.com

Keep calm & carry on: Patience and perseverance in learning

The Educationalist. By Alexandra Mihai

052

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Great article. "No UK university is monolingual." Embedding linguistic diversity institutionally as one way to overcome issues with the hidden curriculum and increase feelings of belonging...

030

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

We're so proud the #OU_LD AI group were shortlisted as the @openuniversity.bsky.social nomination for CATE* 2026. Collaborative excellence is in our DNA. Our latest blog reflects on what it means to be recognised for this as CATE nominees. Big congrats to the winners! www.open.ac.uk/blogs/learni...

130

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

NEW on Wonkhe: Good academic writing is a skill that can be taught. Anna Yeadell wonders why we don't bother teaching it buff.ly/VBcXAgI

142

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

marybeard @wmarybeard.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Here Tom Hiddleston (Loki, Night Manager) tells what he gained from studying classics at uni. He is both eloquent and surprising. I was a bit in trepidation as I was one of his teaches (and was a bit worried about the mark I wd get!). www.youtube.com/watch?v=i71H...

youtube.com

Classic Chats: Tom Hiddleston on Pompeii

YouTube video by Instant Classics

414026

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Surveys can give us insights into student’s experiences and expectations of #sustainability and education. This graphic shows highlights from the OU NSS (National Student Survey) and SOS-UK 2024/25 data. We love data like this because it helps inform and inspire our work. ⭐ #StudentVoice 1/2

Graphic with data on student survey results on sustainability in education.

Title: Student views on sustainability in education.
Increasing awareness of student expectations and views around sustainability can support change and positive action. Here we spotlight some insights from data collected during 2024/25.
Heading: The Open University
80% ...agree their place of study should actively incorporate and promote sustainable development.
70.9% ...would like to see sustainable development actively incorporated and promoted through all courses.
47.4% ...say sustainable development is something they would like to learn more about.
Source: OU NSS Survey results 2024/25.

Heading: UK Higher Education
86% ...felt their place of study should teach skills and understanding that positively impacts society and the environment.
77% ...indicated they would like to see sustainable development actively incorporated and promoted in all courses.
55% ...say they want to learn more about sustainability.
Source: SOS UK Sustainability Skills Survey 2024/25.

100

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

When it's flaming hot out and you think you might not make it to the weekend... 🔥🥵😵‍💫

010

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Whether you're taking your first steps or looking for fresh ideas to advance existing practice, this page offers a useful starting point for conversations and action around embedding sustainability in education.  #Sustainability #LearningDesign #OER #HigherEd @ouopenlearn.bsky.social

000

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Want to add #sustainability to your course design but unsure how? We've updated our #OpenLearn resource, 'First Steps Towards Embedding Sustainability in Learning Design', full of practical ideas, frameworks & free resources to help educators begin the journey. www.open.edu/openlearn/ed... #OER

open.edu

First steps towards embedding sustainability in learning design

Check out these free resources to help prompt initial thoughts and discussions about embedding sustainability in course design.

011

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Freshly hatched blog post! 🐣 Back in April the WELS faculty hosted their #WELSEDIFest2026. A few of us in #OU_LD attended some of the many great webinars and workshops so we've compiled the reflections and impressions of the attendees into a handy article. www.open.ac.uk/blogs/learni...

Brightly coloured bunting and light strings are draped across a festival site. Text reads: 'Many paths, one learning journey. WELS EDI Festival 2026.'

000

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

And congrats from all of us on the Learning Design team too! We love seeing all of your success stories. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

000

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Some of these look interesting. Will make some time to watch.

000

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

UMO @umoservices.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Rest is not just an individual habit. It is easier when systems make space for it. #Wellbeing #StudentSupport #UMO

UMO 4:5 flat illustration poster with the headline "Rest needs room". A warm scene shows a student and staff member using a planner, taking a calm break and returning to practical support routines, with supportive systems shown in the background.

011

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

🌳 Have you been working on different ways to embed #sustainability within the student learning experience? 🌳 Do you want to showcase your approaches so that colleagues from across the sector can access them and use them to develop their own skills and knowledge? [1/6]

A small tree is growing out of a notebook. The notebook cover is made of grass turf.

100

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Details are in the post to get in touch if you'd like a bespoke session or more information on how to incorporate #storytelling into your #StudentExperience creation. Don't be shy! #OU_LD

000

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

How can you use #storytelling to help create engaging student learning experiences? Chris has written us an overview for the #OU_LD blog about the work done in the OU Storytelling and Narrative Group to explain. www.open.ac.uk/blogs/learni...

Three sketches of typical mythical story elements. The first is a mediaeval two story house with two people stood outside. The second is a knight, his horse, a wizard and a child standing together. The last is a dragon in flight.

000

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

We've loved hearing about the wonderful discussions coming out of this years #OER26 conference. If you couldn't attend but want to get a flavour of the presentation that Paul and Catriona gave, you're in luck as it's on YouTube! 🎉 youtu.be/BX8486zLTko?... #Sustainability #LearningDesign #OU_LD

youtu.be

Embedding Sustainability: Learning from a compendium of actionable sustainability examples

YouTube video by OU Learning Design

031

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

How about a chillaxed dog moment to take our minds off of the relentless heat? bsky.app/profile/wera...

000

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

This is such a fantastic idea! Would love to see something like this for the @openuniversity.bsky.social campus. It's full of green spaces and wildlife habitat and abuts an open space that runs through a long swathe of #MiltonKeynes.

011

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

We're thrilled to be part of @icde-org.bsky.social's GAC Europe digital toolkit which contains definitions of their core principles ( #inclusivity, #sustainability and #scalability) with case study examples of these principles in practice in member institutions. gaceurope.weebly.com/sustainabili...

gaceurope.weebly.com

Sustainability

Explore our examples of sustainability in practice from ICDE member institutions.

100

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

ALTUK.bsky.social @altuk.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Join the open education community at The Open University, Milton Keynes — 22–23 June 2026. This year’s theme: Openness Reimagined - exploring continuity, change, and shared vision in a rapidly evolving landscape. Learn more: buff.ly/TBG8zr2 #altc #OER #OER26 #OpenEd

044

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

UMO @umoservices.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

When stress interrupts rest, practical and consistent support can help students understand patterns and build workable strategies. #StudentWellbeing #SpecialistMentoring #UMO

UMO 4:5 flat illustration poster with the headline "Rest is not the whole answer" and supporting line "Consistent support matters". A student and mentor use a gentle weekly planner beside sleep and stress icons in a welcoming university support room.

011

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Big cheer to Paul Astles, Catriona Matthews, & Kathleen Calder, from the #OU_LD team, and Edzia Carvalho for having their evidence accepted to the Education Committee on The use of Artificial Intelligence and EdTech in Education. Their paper can be read here: committees.parliament.uk/work/9642/th...

committees.parliament.uk

100

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

The Open University Library @oulibrary.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Happy #PrideMonth! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Celebrate LGBTQ+ voices, stories and experiences with our LGBTQ+ collection on Libby. Explore fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks and magazines covering everything from romance and memoir to history, identity and activism. 🌈📖 👉 ow.ly/vgBw50Z5aCj

A selection of LGBTQ+ book covers available on Libby and OverDrive. Text reads: 'Read, listen and explore LGBTQ+ titles on Libby and OverDrive. Free for OU students and staff'.

072

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

The Open University Library @oulibrary.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

In celebration of the #NationalYearOfReading, we’re creating a new Reading for Pleasure collection in print & digital formats 📖📱 We’re partnering with brilliant independent bookshops including the book-ends, @gaystheword.bsky.social, New Beacon Books & MAKES SENSE TO ME 💛 #ChooseBookShops

Illustration of a bookshop front. Surrounding text reads: 'We’re building a new Reading for Pleasure collection! In partnership with specialist independent bookshops. Featuring LGBTQI+, African & Caribbean, Neurodiversity and community-led collections'.

12110

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

The Open University @openuniversity.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Dr Hilly Davies, academic consultant on the OU/BBC co-production Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together, shares a moment that shaped her approach when she worked as a carer. Explore our interactive: ow.ly/hpJ150Z7EJy Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.

042

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

KMi - Knowledge Media institute @kmiou.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

At KMi, we strongly believe that inventing the future of higher education starts with building the right culture, not just cutting costs. Read this powerful piece from our Director: www.linkedin.com/pulse/innova... #AIinEducation #InnovationCulture #DigitalTransformation #HigherEducation #KMi

021

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

Institute of Educational Technology @ietatou.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Future of Learning Report. It explores how education must adapt to rapid change highlighting the essential role of flexible, inclusive, learning and ongoing innovation in preparing learners & institutions for the future. iet.open.ac.uk/future-of-le...

014

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

Institute of Educational Technology @ietatou.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Only a week to our 49th #CALRG conference! Fully online, and free! All welcome! www.open.ac.uk/blogs/CALRG/ #CALRG2026 #EdTech

023

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

The OU Students Association is celebrating #PrideMonth too. They've got special events planned for all students who'd like to join in. How cool does a 'crafternoon' sound? @oustudents.bsky.social www.oustudents.com/news/article...

oustudents.com

What Pride Month means to us

020

Reposted by Learning Design team at The Open University

Lynne Taylerson, Real Time Education @realtimeedu.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

Sound advice on #digital #inclusion #UKFE #UKED #AmplifyFE

011

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month from the #OU_LD team! 🌈  We've found some sparkling advice from the folks at @wonkhe.bsky.social on considering how to make sure we're creating inclusivity for students in the #LGBTQI+ community.  wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to...

wonkhe.com

How to to improve the LGBTQ+ student experience

As Pride month continues, Mack Marshall considers how to make universities more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students

000

Learning Design team at The Open University @ou-ld-social.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Back in September we shared an article from the #OU_LD blog detailing the collaborative work Paul and Cat did with the Innovating Learning Design in Higher Education (iLED) project. Part 2 of that article is live now, with project outcomes. Links and resources, ahoy! 🙌 www.open.ac.uk/blogs/learni...

Graphic design of a man and a woman working together with symbols showing dialogue and agreement between them. There is a computer monitor showing cogs and puzzle pieces fitting together and a representation of a document in front of the screen.

010