The Open University of the Netherlands has received a specific task from the Dutch government to contribute to the innovation of Dutch higher education through research in the field of educational sciences. As innovative education demands both expertise in the domain as well as in the field of educational, information and communication technologies, research into educational sciences and educational technologies has taken a special place within the university in her 30 year-existence.
OUNL develops and provides open higher distance education. There is a special focus on the use of new ICTs and teaching/learning methods to provide effective, efficient, attractive and accessible lifelong learning facilities and education to the Dutch citizens. Within the OUNL, the Welten Institute (formerly known as CELSTEC and LOOK) integrates expertise in the learning sciences and technology-enhanced learning. The mission of the Welten Institute is to improve learning and knowledge building at work, at school, at home and on the move by combining state-of-the art knowledge in the Learning Sciences with the innovative powers of new ICTs. New technologies and approaches to learning and innovation are extensively tested in our laboratories and in practice. The core activities of the Welten Institute are research, innovation, education and training