Metadata in the changing learning environment: Developing skills to achieve the blue skies

This short paper will examine the importance of metadata and its role in the changing learning environment, beginning with an introduction about what metadata is, and the benefits to be gained from applying it to all academic resources. Two Open University projects, Portfolio and the Reusable Educational Software Library, will be described and used to illustrate how the IMS Learning Resource Metadata scheme is being applied, and the issues that have been encountered by the Open University and how it is attempting to resolve them. The need for change in organizational culture so that metadata becomes part of the creation process, rather than an afterthought, will then be discussed The paper concludes with a glimpse into the blue skies of the future ‐ where all resources will have metadata as standard practice, and institutions can share and utilize their resources effectively

Mainstreaming Disability and Ageing In Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programmes

This study gives an overview of how disability and ageing issues have been incorporated WASH programmes. It presents a 'mainstreaming continuum' as a conceptual framework to show the different stages organisations go through: from pilot studies and projects, through capacity building and guidelines, to a state in which disability and ageing are fully considered in all work. The different stages on the continuum can be used to acknowledge what has already been achieved, build on progress, and help see what needs to be done to move to the next stage

Inclusive design of school latrines – how much does it cost and who benefits?

• WEDC research shows that the additional cost of making a school latrine accessible is less than 3% of the overall costs of the latrine. • The most cost-effective way to improve access for children with disabilities is to incorporate accessibility into the design from the outset (inclusive design) rather than making expensive changes later. • Inclusive design means a user-friendly, child-friendly design, which benefits all users, including adolescent girls, small children, and children who are sick. • However well designed the latrine, other factors such as location, distance and approach path affect accessibility and need to be part of planning and design

Cerebrospinal Fluid Research: A new platform for dissemination of research, opinions and reviews with a common theme

Cerebrospinal Fluid Research aims to provide a specialist platform for high quality articles on all aspects of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), bringing together experts working in the field and promoting synthesis and dialogue. This, launch Editorial provides an overview of the field, some history, and highlights some of the journal policies

WASH, disability and ageing - a continuum framework to monitor progress on mainstreaming

A desk study was designed by WEDC and WaterAid to map the extent to which issues of disability and ageing have been mainstreamed in the WASH sector, and what the impact of this has been. Study findings indicate that disability and ageing have received increasing attention in the WASH sector over the last decade, but there is still a long way to go to achieve genuine mainstreaming. The picture emerging from the study is of a range of disability/elderly inclusive activities and approaches that can be represented on a ‘continuum’ of progress towards mainstreaming. This continuum framework is presented, along with examples of the type of activities that characterise each stage on the continuum. This continuum provides a framework for WASH implementers to analyse their own equity and inclusion activities. With further refinement, it could also provide a practical tool for use by implementers in reviewing progress, and planning next steps in mainstreaming disability and ageing within their organisation and programmes

Cerebrospinal Fluid Research: The first six months and the introduction of article processing charges

Article processing charges (APCs) have recently been introduced for authors submitting papers to Cerebrospinal Fluid Research. This editorial is to inform readers about the need and use of APCs and about the advantages of free open access publishing