OERs - Resources put together by my group...

Introduction

Open Educational Resources...  This topic is relevant to today’s society and to all our diverse experiences and areas of interest.  It is applicable to K-12, post-secondary education, higher levels of education, and to all learners.

1.  Introductory Activities

Watch:

1. YouTube video on OERs – Open Educational Resources by intheacademia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xGRztrWv-k
2. Browse through the website OERCommons.org to see if there are any resources that you might find useful.
3. Please start by going to Wikipedia and read Open Educational Resources. This website features the definition, aspirations of the OER movement, the history, initiatives, and criticisms.

2.  Readings for this Topic

Below are readings that we felt would be beneficial to help aid in your understanding of OER.

1. At the Educause site, please go to the “7 Things You Should Know About” (learning technology topics).  Review the 7 Things You Should Know About Open Educational Resources.  Please download this resource and read it. The direct link is http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-open-educational-resources This should help you get a quick idea of who, what, when, where and the why of OER. 
2. Also, a great site for you to explore, is the Basic Guide to Open Educational Resources (OER) published by UNESCO.  Read the section titled:  A Basic Guide to Open Educational Resources:  Frequently asked questions.  However, you may wish to browse the rest of the document for discussions and resources.
3. Another article to read would be:  OECD Education Working Papers No. 76:  Open Educational Resources published by OECD.  This will provide you with a world perspective on policy implications of the expansion of OER.  The benefits and associated challenges.  (Optional reading).

4.  Critique Reading. 

Read:  Open educational resources:  education for the world? (2012) by Thomas Richter and Maggie McPherson, located athttp://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01587919.2012.692068.This reading discusses whether open educational resources can resolve educational gaps and educational justice throughout the world.  This reading is the one you will critique.