Open Education Models: Past, Present, Future

Abstract

UNISA ODL Occasional Lecture Series, 2 March 2011, Open Education Models: Past, Present, Future Presented by Prof. Asha Kanwar, Commonwealth of Learning // My topic today is ‘Open Education Models: past, present and future’. The term ‘open education’ is used in the widest sense possible. As we all know, that in a distance education context, it refers to policies and practices that permit entry to learning with as few barriers as possible. What are the different models that we have witnessed thus far? // I will first look at the broader historical context. I will then look at three generations of open education in order to provide a context within which the Open Education Resources (OER) movement emerged. As you know, OER are educational resources that are freely available and can be used by educators and learners without having to pay license fees or royalties. I will then give you examples of OER development that my organisation the Commonwealth of Learning supports and will finally raise some questions about the future implications of OER for the learner; for the teacher, for pedagogy and for higher education.