The field of OER is a dynamic one and new uses for the resources are developing all the time. Some of these evolving uses become mainstream while others do not gain popularity. The reading list below provides access to some latest examples of how the field is evolving and includes highlights of some of these resource experiments:

Some interesting uses include:

  • Collecting courseware from around the world and combining the courses into programmes and ultimately a university – OERu (https://oeru.org/)
  • The development of an online platform that encourages teachers to find and customise curriculum open content – Gooru Platform (http://www.gooru.org/welcome/)
  • Creating free and adaptable textbooks – examples include Siyavula (https://www.siyavula.com/read) in Africa aimed at primary and secondary schooling and OpenStax aimed at College/undergraduate levels (https://openstax.org/)
  • African Storybook Initiative – translation tool on the website enables children’s stories to be translated into other African languages

Useful websites to find a wealth of information on the theory and evolution of the OER movement include:

  • OER Africa – Collection of key resources since 2008 and saved them in the website database.
  • OER Knowledge Cloud – The UNESCO/COL Knowledge Cloud aims to enhance research opportunities on Open Educational Resources and related information by removing barriers, opening up scholarship and making research universally available.
  • Examples of individuals who frequently comment on OER trends include Stephen Downes, David Wiley, Tony Bates and George Siemens.

 

  1. Can you identify one or more resource issues that your institution might solve by the innovative use of OER? Keep in mind that they are generally free, digital and adaptable.