Video Script

What if there was a way to reduce college textbook costs to zero? While taking a course, what if you and your peers could legally add content to the textbook and share this new version? And what if I told you this same resource can help students escape the effects of intergenerational poverty? 

Come experience and contribute to this impactful educational movement by taking IP&T 531: Intro to Open Education! 

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First off, what does “open” in open education mean? 

Spoiler alert: it’s a mixed bag. Most people would equate “open” with “free”, which can mean “gratis”— “no-cost”, but free can also mean “libre”—“freedom”. While an open educational resource is free of cost, “open” is more about what you can do with educational resources based on which open license an author uses. This “free-ing” aspect means you could revise, remix, and redistribute personalized content for your audience.

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Now is a good time to ask: what am I getting into by taking this course?

Weekly assignments consist of assigned readings, reflection, creating, sharing, rinse and repeat. In a few more words, instead of buying a textbook (hooray- no-cost!), you’ll read online articles on topics such as open licenses, open educational resources, known as OERs, improving perceptions of OERs, OER-enabled pedagogy, evaluating impact, and so on. Then you’ll write a brief reflection on the readings in a blog post. You’ll also create one or multiple open educational resources of your choice. And finally, you’ll share a link to your blog posts and creations on Twitter.

Then in-class, you’ll meet with Dr. Kimmons and your peers to get clarity on key issues. The ensuing discussion is engaging, question-driven, and thought-provoking. Occasionally, guest lecturers are invited to attend on Zoom to share how they use OER in their unique professional contexts. Personally, my favorite in-class moments were the small group projects and discussions where we created solutions to the barriers of adopting OER in formal classroom settings.

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That may sound like a lot each week, but it’s not as time consuming as it sounds. In this class, there are no throw-away assignments or busy work because you actively contribute to the open educational community. And it’s fun!

Go ahead, add IP&T 531 to your program of study today. “Learn by study” why open education is a game changer for everyone, “and also by faith” by contributing to open education. Thank you!