(The original German version of the project sketch is available here.)
Actors in the RSE community have already have created and published a diverse range of OERs on basic and advanced RSE topics, Currently, these OER can be found only via the websites of the organizations under whose umbrella they are published, or via some link collections to RSE-OER. No OER directory has so far established itself as a central point for OER in the RSE community. Directories with a wide range of topics spectrum, such as WirLernenOnline and the Open Educational Resources Search Index (OERSI), only offer a rough facet classification, which makes use and therefore registration less attractive. A specific directory is missing or not widely known in the RSE community. Overall, the domestic information about existing RSE OER is therefore scattered and difficult to search. However, the Training eSupport System (TeSS) shows that a topic-specific directory can work as a solution. The Aim of DiscoRSE is to improve the use of RSE-OER in four distinct categories:
- Findability of RSE-OER on specific topics,
- Determination of learning chains of OER that build on one another,
- Visibility of authors and
- Findability of OER according to accessibility requirements.
To achieve these objectives, two key components are necessary: a metadata schema for standardized annotation of RSE-OER, and a suitable OER directory that enables searching across a wide range of materials based on criteria relevant to the RSE community. Both will be created or identified through a guided community process within DiscoRSE.
The metadata schema for RSE-OER will be defined with input from the RSE community. Although this project originates from the German RSE community, the aim is to develop a solution with international support by involving key stakeholders. The RSE-OER metadata schema will be aligned with existing, general OER metadata schemas to ensure compatibility of OER metadata across disciplines and explicitly with non-RSE OERs, such as the schema used by the TeSS directory.
Concurrently, an existing RSE-OER directory will be selected for use or, if necessary, a new one will be created based on existing models. To establish the metadata schema and OER directory, various measures will be implemented, including presentations and workshops, utilization of established RSE community communication channels, and annotation of large collections of RSE OER, including materials from the Carpentries and Code-Refinery.
A lightweight governance structure will be established to ensure the continuity of the metadata schema and OER directory beyond the project duration, potentially as a working group within de-RSE e.V.
Annotation with accessibility information for OER will help users find suitable resources more easily. Additionally, the presence of corresponding metadata in the schema and relevant filters in the OER directory will encourage authors to minimize barriers.
To achieve the project goal, expertise from RSE OER authors, RSE instructors, and semantic modeling experts will be required. Representatives from three areas will be involved in DiscoRSE.
DiscoRSE will directly address the part of the RSE community involved in teaching necessary skills. Indirectly, the entire community will benefit from easier discovery of appropriate RSE-OER, improved relational linking of RSE-OER, and increased incentives to create, publish, and ensure accessibility of RSE-OER materials.
The outcomes of DiscoRSE include a metadata schema and an RSE-OER directory that support the four aforementioned areas, as well as the establishment of sustainable use of the schema and directory within the RSE community. Success can be measured by the number of annotated materials and annotating OER providers not part of the core team, or as a percentage of known materials or providers, and potentially by the activity of the de-RSE working group to be established.
To establish the metadata schema and OER directory in the RSE community, four measures are planned:
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- workshops for familiarization with results and collaborative annotation,
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- presentation of results at conferences
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- creation of RSE podcast episodes, and
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- social media coverage of DiscoRSE.
The project core team will be responsible for points 1 and 2. For point 3, they will commission two episodes of Peter Schmidt’s “Code for Thought” podcast, which primarily covers RSE topics and has a relevant audience. For point 4, Heidi Seibold will report on DiscoRSE’s progress and results in her newsletter on open and reproducible science, as well as on other social media platforms.