[Oer-community] Antw: Wrapping up the conversation

[Thomas.Pfeffer at uni-klu.ac.at]

Dear Mary Lou
Dear All,
 
skipping through the converstation of the last weeks, I try to answer your last question: Where should we be concentrating efforts for maximum impact?
 
1) Foster alternative concepts of OER
 
Sometimes the debates on OER tend to simplify the conceptual diversity of OER conepts and models. Stephen Carson was one of the few acknowledge different approaches in a very practical way, distinguishing 
*) OER as a substitute (of textbooks)
*) OER as reusable resource (focused on automated learning)
*) OER as transparency (accross curriculum, to inform students)
 
I fully agree that the last category has been underobserved so far. For traditional universities in continental Europe, this would be the most plausible way to introduce OER (e.g. as semi-transparent OCW.) In fact, much material is available already without being formally called "OER".
 
2) "Learning to share"
 
The first observation leads to the second: there exists a variety of concepts and approaches. However, as Paul Stacy said there is a "huge reluctance" to go beyond the individual model and use "anyone elses OER". 
 
So, what would be key is (as Wayne Macintosh phrased it) the "learning to share". We definitely need more experience and training in the "learning to share" and learning to use OER beyond individual models.
 
From my side, I would be interested in developing a training course/program for "learning to share and learning to use". (However, this offering would have to generate some revenues to cover my costs.) 
 
best whishes
 
Tom Pfeffer
http://thomas-pfeffer.wikispaces.com
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