December 2011
OER and Digital Divide
Do Open Educational Resources Actually Increase the Digital Divide?
We have often focused on Open Educational Resources (OER) in the Educational Technology Debates. We talked about the need for creating digital content and examples of existing Open Educational Resources. But this month we’re going to ask a controversial question: Does OER actually expand the digital divide? The proponents of Open Educational Resources are right […]
Continue Reading Do Open Educational Resources Actually Increase the Digital Divide?
Open Educational Resources Expand Educational Inequalities
Basically, I think there are two visions for free and Open educational resources and technology, that can be summarized by these two figures. Scenario #1: Closing Gaps In the left figure, we have the “closing gaps” vision. In this vision, everyone benefits from new educational technologies, but low-income students disproportionately benefit. The hope here is […]
Continue Reading Open Educational Resources Expand Educational Inequalities
How Open Educational Resources Can Increase Opportunites for Everyone
Let me begin by suggesting a different question than “Do Open Educational Resources actually increase the digital divide?” Instead, let me ask: How can OERs be used to reduce the digital divide? Or more importantly, how can OERs be used to increase the opportunities for everyone to maximize their potential? To me, that is the […]
Continue Reading How Open Educational Resources Can Increase Opportunites for Everyone