The OpenPlato Editorial Team oversees the quality, consistency, and accessibility of learning resources available on the OpenPlato platform. Composed of experts from various domains, the team plays a vital role in reviewing, assessing, and curating training materials to align with Open Science principles and platform standards.

Purpose

The Editorial Team ensures that OpenPlato provides high-quality, up-to-date, and inclusive educational content. By evaluating submitted courses and guiding content providers, the team maintains platform consistency and enhances user experience. It also supports the platform's mission of democratizing Open Science training by curating materials that reflect diverse perspectives and broad scientific disciplines.

Processes

The team follows a structured workflow to manage the onboarding and review of courses:

  • Onboarding and Validation: New courses are submitted through a standardized form. The Editorial Team responds within 48 hours to confirm receipt and provide an estimated timeline for review.

  • Content Assessment: Courses undergo a two-level review process to evaluate their quality, relevance, and compliance with Open Science principles. Two reviewers are typically assigned to each course for comprehensive feedback.
  • Content Curation: Updates are made to ensure materials are current, platform-agnostic, and aligned with OpenPlato's guidelines. This includes checking links, references, and metadata.
  • Publication and Maintenance: Approved courses are published and tracked for periodic review. Outdated content is either updated or deactivated.

Collaborative Approach

The Editorial Team collaborates closely with technical support and content creators to streamline course integration. Monthly meetings and a centralized course registry ensure transparency and accountability in all processes. Feedback is gathered regularly from contributors and users to refine workflows and improve platform functionality.

Key Features

  • Content Categories: Materials are grouped into broad categories such as Open Science practices, scientific disciplines, and specialized topics like research ethics or sensitive data management.

  • Quality Assurance: Regular audits and a correction policy ensure high standards across all courses.

  • Diverse Representation: The team actively invites reviewers with diverse language and cultural backgrounds to reflect the global nature of Open Science.

The onboarding procedure

Onboarding Process for OpenPlato Access and Content Submission

The onboarding process for OpenPlato ensures that educators, trainers, and researchers can seamlessly join the platform to contribute valuable Open Science training materials. Whether creating self-paced courses, hosting virtual workshops, or adding interactive resources, the process is designed to streamline access and guide content contributors.

Access Rights Request

The first step involves completing the OpenPlato Access Rights Request Form. This form is specifically for users who wish to upload or create content on the platform. Applicants must provide essential details such as:

  • Personal information, including name, email, institution, and country.

  • A brief overview of the training content, including topics, learning objectives, and target audience.

  • Preferred content delivery methods, such as synchronous or asynchronous learning, and the level of content openness.

  • Access rights requirements for themselves and any collaborators, specifying roles like Teacher, Non-Editing Teacher, Course Creator, or Category Manager.

For team submissions, users can include additional individuals who require specific roles on OpenPlato. The form also collects information on prior Moodle experience to tailor platform support.

Training Plan Submission

Applicants are encouraged to outline their training plan, detailing the content they intend to upload and its relevance to Open Science or specific projects. This step ensures alignment with OpenPlato's standards and enables the editorial team to assist in the course development process.

Approval and Onboarding

After submission, the request is reviewed by the OpenPlato Editorial Team. Approved users receive access to the platform with their designated roles, enabling them to begin creating and uploading content. The team provides guidance on using OpenPlato's tools and integrating training materials effectively. 

Last modified: Thursday, 8 May 2025, 1:13 PM