Using your phone to find the nearest unoccupied computer? Or enroll in a course in a few clicks? Or quickly check your timetable or your marks? The Open Education API will help you do this.

 

OPEN EDUCATION API

SURFnet is working with some higher education institutions to define a standard API: the Open Education API. An API is a set of definitions which help software programs communicate with each other. It can be used as an interface between different software applications. Read more on Wikipedia. Using this API, educational institutions can make useful information available: from marks to study credits, from schedules to free workstations. Application developers can then integrate this data into new applications.

These might be mobile apps where you, as a student, can easily get access to marks, study credits, schedules and free workstations. What’s more, you can also check quickly where there is a computer free, or register to take an exam.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR STANDARDISATION

Each institution can develop their own API, but that costs a lot of time and money. There is an easier way. And that’s why SURFnet is working with higher education institutions to define an open standard: the Open Education API.

Higher education institutions that want to publish educational data in a standardised way can implement their own API, based on the Open Education API standard.

Not all data can be public available. To protect personal data like scores and timetables, it is advised to use an authorization server (supporting oAuth 2.0) in combination with SURFconext.
These security measurements are not part of the Open Education API, but are supported to be used.

BENEFITS

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION? JOIN US!

SURFnet would like to get in touch with higher education institutions who want to share educational data, and want to implement an API based on the Open Education API to do so. By joining us you can benefit by sharing educational data via open standards.  Join here!