Empowering Educators to Advance Open Science Practices
As a seasoned IT professional, I’m excited to dive into the insights and practical takeaways from OpenAIRE’s 5th Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp. This immersive event, held from September 2nd to 6th, 2022, brought together Open Science enthusiasts from across the globe to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively train others in this transformative field.
The bootcamp’s overarching goal was to empower participants with advanced understanding of Open Science principles and provide them with tools to deliver impactful training programs within their respective institutions, countries, and communities. Over the course of five days, 16 carefully selected individuals engaged in a dynamic, interactive learning experience led by a team of OpenAIRE experts.
Fostering a Collaborative Environment
From the outset, the bootcamp set a collaborative tone, leveraging engaging tools and activities to foster an environment conducive to learning and networking. The event kicked off with Pedro Principe, Head of Division at the University of Minho, setting the stage with his energetic and collaborative approach.
Antonia Correia, Open Science expert and Project Manager at UMinho, introduced the participants to the concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), highlighting how it aligns with the core values of Open Science. Helen Clare, Open Science Specialist, then delved into the art of pedagogy and training design, sharing strategies to enhance participant engagement and facilitate effective knowledge transfer.
One of the standout features of the bootcamp was the incorporation of interactive activities led by Theodora Kavvadia, OpenAIRE’s Training Coordinator. Sessions like “Horror and Hooray” and “One Minute Madness” encouraged participants to share personal stories and experiences, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Comprehensive Exploration of Open Science Topics
The bootcamp’s curriculum covered a wide range of critical Open Science topics, each explored in-depth by subject matter experts. Marianna Katrakazi, OpenAIRE’s legal advisor, provided a comprehensive overview of Intellectual Property Rights and Open Licenses, equipping participants with a solid understanding of the legal landscape.
Delving into emerging trends, Pascal Flohr from Leiden University and Milica Ševkušić, Project Coordinator at EIFL, expanded on the growing importance of preprints and the role of Open Research Europe in the Open Access publishing landscape.
Data management was a central focus, with sessions on the Data Curation Lifecycle, Open Data, FAIR data, and Data Management Plans (DMPs) led by Milica Ševkušić, Pedro Principe, and Pascal Flohr. Participants engaged in hands-on activities using Figma to develop DMPs, further solidifying their understanding of these critical practices.
Cutting-edge topics such as Open Peer Review, Citizen Science, and the integration of AI in research were also explored, with Antonia Correia and Milica Ševkušić sharing insights on these transformative Open Science approaches.
Enhancing Training Effectiveness and Networking
In addition to the core curriculum, the bootcamp offered a range of optional sessions, providing participants with even more opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills. Giulia Malaguarnera, OpenAIRE’s Researcher and Outreach and Engagement Officer, offered a detailed presentation on the organization’s suite of services throughout the research lifecycle.
Theodora Kavvadia delved deeper into the principles of pedagogy and training design, while Milica Ševkušić showcased the power of gamification tools to enhance the learning experience. Elli Papadopoulou, Product Manager of Argos, also demonstrated the process of creating Data Management Plans using the Argos platform.
The event culminated in a final reflection session facilitated by Pedro Principe, during which participants had the chance to present their training plans to the OpenAIRE experts. This dynamic exchange allowed for the sharing of experiences, best practices, and a genuine enthusiasm for applying the newly acquired skills in the promotion of Open Science.
Participant Feedback and Lasting Impact
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants underscores the success of the 5th Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp. One participant noted the ease of navigating the OpenPlato platform, which served as a vital collaborative tool throughout the event, remarking on the smooth and intuitive experience.
Another participant highlighted the value of the interactive sessions and networking opportunities, stating, “The most positive was the interaction and networking with the trainers and the other participants. All the resource shared are really useful on the different issues, complementing the ones that I already knew and used.”
A common thread among the feedback was the participants’ appreciation for the depth of knowledge shared by the trainers, as well as the opportunity to revisit and reassess previously encountered material. One participant shared, “Learning about experience of other trainers; exposure to new resources and opportunity to revisit and reassess material I had encountered previously. General delivery of course was helpful and encouraging.”
The bootcamp’s impact extends beyond the event itself, as participants expressed a strong eagerness to continue supporting one another and driving Open Science initiatives forward in their respective communities. This collaborative spirit and the foundation laid for future networking and knowledge-sharing initiatives are a testament to the event’s lasting influence.
Empowering Educators, Advancing Open Science
At IT Fix, we recognize the vital role that initiatives like OpenAIRE’s Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp play in empowering educators and advancing the field of Open Science. By equipping professionals with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and a supportive network, these bootcamps pave the way for more effective training programs and the widespread adoption of Open Science principles.
As an IT professional, I’m deeply inspired by the depth and breadth of the topics covered, as well as the interactive and collaborative approach that fostered a rich learning environment. The insights and best practices shared during this event serve as valuable resources for anyone seeking to enhance their own training offerings or better understand the evolving landscape of Open Science.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate future iterations of the OpenAIRE bootcamp, where educators from around the globe can unite to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and cultivate meaningful connections in this ever-evolving field. By empowering these dedicated professionals, we can collectively drive the transformation towards a more open, transparent, and accessible research ecosystem.
