Log 3

Global Learning!!!

With the development of Open Education, one of the biggest benefits that I have researched is the breaking of financial and geographic educational barriers. Higher education is not affordable to many people around the world, especially within developing countries. Over recent years, there has been an increase in tuition of colleges and universities.

By taking advantage of Open Education, those students who would otherwise not attend college due to hefty costs, can now benefit from free and open resources associated with those schools involved with the Open Education movement, “Educators need to narrow the learning divide gap by making learning materials available as OER which will bring down the cost of learning materials” (Mohamed, Mohammed, 2013).

Also, if location has hindered students from attending college, that will no longer be an issue for those wanting to obtain higher learning, as the learning platform is virtual, “The combination of mobile technology and OER will enable institutions, organizations, and companies to narrow the educational divide” (Mohamed, Mohammed, 2013)

For students who do not have access to laptops, they can still use their mobile devices to connect to their course materials. With the cost of internet connectivity, some countries, such as Finland, are giving their citizens “affordable devices and free internet”, in order to further lessen the educational gap (2014).

One of the main points of contention for Open Education is the lack of student/teacher interaction. Students could tend to feel isolated and neglected as they process resources with minimal guidance and assistance from their instructor, “Most students do not get known as individuals, so there is little sense of a social presence” (Vera, 2014).

Concerning OER (Open Educational Resources), for my blogging activity, I believe that there is only one student who can really benefit from open resources. One of my student’s blog page is going to be about fashion. She will discuss the latest articles about the current fashion trends. I will also have her complete a small write-up on the history of fashion. For this, OER from any fashion school, or program, will prove to be of tremendous help to her.

The concept of OER is new to me (one of the many ideas introduced to me on my Masters journey). Education that can be attained by all who have some type of technological device, world wide is a huge step in narrowing the gap between those who can get schooling, and those who, historically, have met challenges with wanting to acquire higher learning.

With a lack of interaction between student and teacher, my question is this: how can students be sure that they are receiving just as adequate of an education as those students who are attending college traditionally?

Below is a site I frequent for activities and lesson ideas!!

http://www.edutopia.org/article/open-educational-resources-oer-resource-roundup

References

Mohamed, A., Mohammed, S. (2013) Open Education Resources and Mobile Technology to Narrow the Learning Divide. International Review of Research

In Open and Distance Learning. V 14. N2 p. 14-27.

Vera, D. (2014) Massive Online Obsessive Compulsion: What Are They Saying Out There About the Lates Phenomenon in Higher Education.

International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. Vol. 15 Issue 2, p. 268-281, 14p.