yea's & nay's
TRANSCRIPT
YEA’S & NAY’S OF
OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
To ORE or Not to ORE; That is the Question!
Stanley Williams BM, MMusEdAssistant Professor of Music, Pierce College, Tacoma WA
THOSE IN FAVOR OF YAY…
FLEXIBILITY
Changes are inevitable. However, once printed,
changes must necessarily wait for new editions to be
developed before they can be implemented. With an
OER presentation, changes can be implemented
immediately and as often as required.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
INTERACTIVITY
Printed materials are, by their nature, what they
are. Creating an interactive format through the
printed educational page can be difficult and
limiting. Within the framework of an OER, a teacher
is able to create interesting and interactive formats
that can present features such as motion, hide and
show answers, or even personal interaction through
pre-recorded videos.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
EXPENSE
The cost of prefabricated materials can be costly.
Sadly, money can be an issue with many aspiring
students. The free nature of an OER provides an
affordable alternative to costly text books that may
or may not be up to date.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
PORTABILITY
Carrying around text books can be cumbersome
and inconvenient. With the advent of mobile
technologies such as smart phones and tablets,
keeping a full complement of text materials can be
ready at hand. This is a convenience in the busy, fast
paced world that we live in.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
ACCESS TO OTHER MINDS
A teacher can study for many years to gain
knowledge. However, not matter how long studies
ensue, there is always much more to learn. Using
OER resources, the potential for tapping into the
knowledge of others can be nearly limitless. This can
one be a positive benefit to the end student.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
RELIABILITY
With an open source platform, the very thing that
makes it accessible for change also makes it
vulnerable to inaccuracies. While many well
experienced and/or educated people are available to
share expertise, there are also those who believe
they know more than they actually do. As with any
technology that spans an expansive arena, the bad
must be understood as being a necessary evil to the
good.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
RESTRICTIVE
While in one breath, it can by said that OER materials allow for
expedient access to a wide array of free information, it holds a
potential downside should an author have a change of heart about
the permissions that they have previously granted. While CC
licenses may be discontinued, they can not be revoked. This
allows those who have used materials under a previously
authorized license continue to be free to do so, irregardless of an
authors currents desires.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
THE TIME FACTOR
Collecting and collating materials can be time
consuming. While the end result has great potential
for the advancement of learning, the time that it can
take to put together an OER program has the
potential to be daunting.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
FORFEIT OF FACE TO FACE
OER clearly has many benefits. One important drawback is the
lack of personal, face to face interaction. There is a certain
“spark” that occurs when teacher and students are in the same
room interacting. There is much to be said for a personal
connection where students can ask direct questions and receive
direct answers. If a student is not clear on any portion of the
learning process, they can not come immediately to the instructor
to gain further clarification.
THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
LACK OF UNIVERSAL AWARENESS
OER can be a wonderful tool. But as with any tool,
it has no useful purpose if it can’t be found. Time
may make OER a commonly known resource for the
masses. However, as it stands currently, mass
awareness of OER programs is somewhat limited.
COMMENTARY
There are pros and cons to virtually any issue that can come to
mind. Finding a balance is the desired goal. With the proper
research, creating an OER for pedagogical purposes can be a
highly efficacious means to advancing the learning process.
Considering a variety of options, it is clear that the potential for
universal learning by those who are of lesser financial means, or
in a location not conducive to reaching a learning institution,
can be a powerful tool in the advancement of personal
education.