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SURF and Kennisnet collaborate on a public ecosystem for digital learning materials

To promote the sharing and reuse of digital learning resources, SURF and Kennisnet will intensify their collaboration in the coming years to ensure seamless integration of systems. The shared ambitions of SURF, Kennisnet, and Npuls are outlined in the publication "Together toward a public ecosystem for digital learning materials."

There is a wide range of digital learning materials available, but these resources are not easily accessible or discoverable for educators and learners. Digital learning materials are spread across various platforms, applications, or learning environments. This fragmentation hinders collaboration, reuse, and open sharing of materials by educators.

Therefore, as the public sector, we aim to create a more efficient and accessible system for digital learning materials for everyone in Dutch secondary and higher education. Our goal is to develop a national digital ecosystem for sharing and reusing digital learning materials that works across all sectors. This will ensure that learners and educators have access to an optimal mix of open, semi-open, and licensed digital learning materials. 

How SURF and Kennisnet work together

SURF and Kennisnet each serve their own sectors. SURF serves secondary education and Kennisnet serves primary education, secondary education and senior secondary vocational education. By formulating joint principles and working together efficiently, we ensure that systems are compatible.

"In my view, education is about engaging and captivating learners, says Larissa Zegveld, director of Kennisnet. "With educational resources that suit learners, you can feed curiosity. As Kennisnet and SURF, we work together to create an ecosystem of (open) digital learning materials where quality and accessible searchability are paramount. For lifelong learning."

Ron Augustus, Chair of SURF's Board of Directors, also agrees. "This step is a strong example of how the whole of education is reaping the benefits of closer cooperation within our sector. For example, lecturers and learners will soon be able to access all digital educational resources in their own learning environment. Moreover, they will also be openly available as much as possible".

About the publication

The publication outlines the roadmap toward the shared goal: a digital learning materials ecosystem that aligns with the public values important to the sector. This will be developed over the coming years by SURF, Kennisnet, and Npuls.

Download the publication
Samen op weg naar een publiek ecosysteem voor digitale leermaterialen