It has just been reported by Naace member Gary Clawson that after several months development the first demonstration version of the National Digital Resource Bank is up and running. The project was described at the 2009 NAACE conference by Jim Knight as a “landmark project”.
Gary stated, “We still have much to do before September, most notably, with the support of other regional bodies, to load around 2,000 Content packages all under Creative Commons licencing and all available to be taken in raw, html or learning platform formats. Once this work is done, teachers will have all the copyright free, curriculum focused materials they need to develop digital activities, and with LAs having a common set of resources available across their schools in perpetuity, they will be able to encourage user generated content and derived works knowing that each of their schools will be able to freely use these.”
This is very good news for all us using learning platforms and the project will ensure good quality resources are available from September 2009 through LAs and most Regional Broadband Consortia. One of the issues for the successful use of learning platforms is the quality of learning materials available within the platform. By ensuring that materials are specifically developed and available for learning platforms, this project ensures quality resources are widely available. The use of the Creative Commons Licence is an added bonus for teachers who wish to develop digital resources for their own students’ use.
