This second part of the course has definitely put me on the
right track, by providing me with clear and precise information about what really
is an Open Education Resource (OER), its associated characteristics and
benefits, and its implementation in respect to the institution where I work.
The embedded videos as well as the recommended readings have enlightened my thoughts
towards what is an OER, and its optimum use.
The video signpost from David Wiley has enlightened me on
the fact that an OER is always free to access as well as free to be reused,
revised, remixed and redistributed – what he categorizes as the 4Rs. I always
thought that education resources made available should be used originally as it
appeared because of copyright purposes; But after looking at the second video
by Eben Moglen and Lawrence Lessig, my mindset changed completely. I totally
agree on the idea that education is based on free sharing of ideas, and for
sharing to be done freely and at a free rate, copyrights should not be imposed
on education resources made available. However, I think that terms and
conditions may be applied in order to ensure that the information is being
shared correctly and for learning purposes.
The activity which involved me in coming up with a proper
definition for OER has helped myself in researching deeper in the field. I
could find that OER is a digital material which can be completely or which
comprises of a specific version that can be accessed freely by the user. The
materials provided throughout the OER may be reused, revised, remixed and
redistributed with a view to promote and/or enhance learning. Along with the
researches made, I also identified arguments for and against the implementation
of OER in the institution where I work. A possible barriers which may hinder
the implementation of OER at the institution is the lack of adequate
technological resources both in the institution and at students’ place. This is
mostly because students of this particular institution as most of the time from
low budget families, who strive a lot to earn living, and for them, these
technological advancements would be a luxury, requiring considerable
investment.
However, a clear opportunity which I identified which may
promote the implementation of OER in the institution is by introducing a new
field of study in the curriculum. This new field should be entirely based on
OER and financial support from the government would be of great benefit for the
implementation of the technological requirements at school as well as at the
students’ place. Various benefits would be enjoyed from this modern way of
learning from various points of views, namely: from students, teachers as well
as the concerned institution.
I also enjoyed the Lessig video. I liked the way he broke down sharing into 3 easy things to remember.
ReplyDelete1) need to protect 'fair use'
2) freedom to create w/o having to get permission
3) respect the creator
I'm an artist as well as an instructor and I appreciated his 'creative license'.
I concur with you on the fact that this second part has put you, and me too, on the right track. I have found my bearings as far as OER is concerned; though I feel there is more to come in the sessions ahead.
ReplyDeleteIn your second paragraph, you mentioned that 'terms and conditioned should be applied to ensure that the information is shared correctly and for learning purposes'. This to me sounds like a restriction; in one of the definitions of OER, one of the 4 Rs stands to repurposing. Would it therefore not remove the openness if only a particular way of sharing is permitted in the terms and conditions?
The idea of introducing a new field of study in the curriculum based on OER is quite noble and could go a long way in actualizing the whole concept of freedom to learn.