[7] OpenLearn dates back to 1999, when Open2.net, an Open University-BBC collaboration, gave a first home to free learning resources that the public could interact with without the need to sign up to study a university course.
[8][9] The Open University launched the OpenLearn brand with the LearningSpace website in October 2006 to provide free access to extracts of educational materials generated as part of course production.
Personal profiles, learning journals and rating options empower learners to become self publishers and reviewers, tagging their entries to provide a means by which others can find and connect with their ideas.
Knowledge mapping software enables learners to visually represent resources and the links between them, to construct arguments and frame debates.
The Web 2.0 approach to an open and collaborative LearningSpace primarily for learners, is complemented by OpenLearn Create(formerly Labspace and OpenLearnWorks), an area for experimentation, where educational practitioners are encouraged to download, amend and adapt both current and archived course materials.