Open Educational Resources: The Way Forward
In the past I have expressed concerns about the processes of developing policy on Open Content and the need for transparency and inclusivenss in that process. The new UNESCO publication: ‘Open Educational Resource: The Way Forward‘ is an example of how to do it the right way – by building and encouraging interchange between an international community of interested through the inetrnet. As Susan D’Antoni says in her intorduction “Over the period that the OER community has been in existence, we have been able to link many more people andinstitutions than would have been feasible through other means. Experts and neophytes alike have come together to learn from one another, share information and deliberate on related issues. Finally, after two years of intensive interaction, members expressed their opinion on the priority issues and the stakeholders that should take action to advance and support the growing movement.
This document is a testament to the power of group deliberation in a vibrant virtual community. It presents the way forward for OER based upon the informed opinion of an international community, and sets out priorities for future action. It will be of interest to many readers – from decision and policy makers at the national level to teachers and academics at the local level. ”
The report identifies six priorities for the Open Educational Resources community:
- Awareness raising
- Communities and networking
- Developing capacity
- Quality assurance
- Sustainability
- Copyright and licensing
The OECD supported community is currently developing resources for awareness raising through story telling on a wiki.
One last thing – this publication is a testament to the dedicated and inspired work by Susan D’Antoni – I have had the pleasure of meeting her on a number of occasions. Building a community like this is no small undertaking and its success is largely down to her.
Graham, I need some help: As far as I can see “The Way Forward” is an UNESCO publication and the whole project is supported by an UNESCO institute. But you are only referring to the OECD. Any specific reason for that?
Thanks Jochen – my mistake – trying to do too many things at once. I have corrected the error