Design and production practice of digital educational resources in postgraduate studies at the Open University for Adults

Abstract

The Center for Innovation and Pedagogical Management (CINGEP) at the Open University for Adults (UAPA) has implemented initiatives focused on meeting the demands of designing and continuously updating digital educational resources (DERs) for its online postgraduate courses. The aim is to enhance academic quality, foster participant autonomy and independence, and strengthen online distance education. This research analyzes the design and production practices for digital educational resources in UAPA's online postgraduate courses. A mixed-methods approach, with a descriptive-exploratory character, was employed. Twelve CINGEP managers completed a self-administered online survey. The ATLAS.ti software was used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data, supplemented by basic descriptive statistics. The results yielded practical and methodological insights that characterize the DER design and production practices. Key elements highlight the importance of a dialectical, pedagogical, didactic, and continuing education transformation through the use of technology in the instructional design process. This presents a significant opportunity to enhance the participatory dynamism of design practices among managers, facilitators, and participants in online postgraduate courses. In conclusion, OERs play a fundamental role in making content more accessible and customizable, and actively contribute to the development of competencies in postgraduate participants, representing a significant contribution to the University's online distance education.