Second Learning Reflection

Indeed the discussion was very interesting and fruitful.  I have understand the concept of OER - Open Educational Resources.  According to David Wiley, it is a matter of price and permission.  He actually raised the points that  an OER should be free to access and free of permission that is not copyright.  He explained what he meant by free of permission which he called the 4Rs - free to

• Reuse
• Revise
• Remix
• Redistribute

The OECD describes the OER as

“	...digitised materials offered freely and openly for educators, students and self-learners to use and reuse for teaching, learning and research. OER includes learning content, software tools to develop, use and distribute content, and implementation resources such as open licences. This report suggests that "open educational resources" refers to accumulated digital assets that can be adjusted and which provide benefits without restricting the possibilities for others to enjoy them.	”
—OECD, 2007[5]

which from my point of view gives a clear idea of what an OER actually cater for and its content.  It implies that OER must be accessible to all at no cost, respecting the 4R and respecting the freedom of others..

I like option 2 as definition of OER :

Downes Definition - "OER are materials used to support education that may be freely accessed, reused, modified and shared by anyone"

The discussion forum allows to reflect on how Mauritian education will benefit from an OER atmosphere.  It would allow to reduce costs for learners as all text books will be available and will allow education more accessible.

OER will provide a way to have Education for all as rightly said by Phill Ker:

 

“	OER is the means by which education at all levels can be more accessible, more affordable and more efficient.	”
—Phil Ker, Chief Executive, Otago Polytechni

 Therefore OER will encourage learners at levels to keep the pace with learning and they will be encouraged to keep on updating their knowledge.

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