Overview

Edalex launched a standalone space in 2022 to create, store, and share rich skill descriptors (RSDs) and RSD collections: openRSD. openRSD uses Edalex’s open-source technology stack to create libraries of RSDs that are open to contributors and consumers globally. The aim of RSDs is to bring equity to the learner and the skills ecosystem.

RSDs that are created using openRSD comply to the Rich Skill Descriptor Standards Implementation Recommendations. This allows RSDs to be published and shared with compatible tools such as the  Open Skills Management Tool (OSMT). It also allows RSDs from other platforms to be copied and hosted for use within an individual institution’s openRSD Collection(s).

openRSD leverages Edalex’s  open-source digital repository, openEQUELLA which offers multiple functionalities:

• Use of workflow, version control, multi-tenancy, harvesting, faceted searching, and custom reporting
• Flexibility to align RSD fields to multiple skills taxonomies from around the world such as O*NET skills data in the United States, the Australian Skills Classifications system, Skills Framework for the Information Age (SIFA), or ESCO (Skills, Competencies, and Occupations, part of Europe 2020 strategy) in Europe.
• Storing RSDs in an open digital repository facilitates content tagging and allows for a broader skills-focused (rather than course-focused) content management.

Background

RSDs are a metadata package that provides a common definition of a skill including the context behind the skill. This allows interoperability in credentials. RSDs typically include features such as skill statements; and skill keywords, standards or certification alignments, labor market and occupational data. RSDs are both human and machine readable. This enables use by both people and platforms.

Resources

openRSD Launch Webinar

openRSD Edalex Homepage

openRSD Framework

Press Release (2022)

Edalex

Rich Skill Descriptor Standards Implementation Recommendations

Open Skills Management Tool (OSMT)