https://moodle.yorku.ca/moodle/pluginfile.php/470281/mod_forum/attachment/325801/Open%20Educational%20Resources.pdf This article written by Tom Caswell, Shelley Henson, Marion Jensen, and David Wiley suggest that opencourseware maybe the solution to provide education for all. Based on the article Open Educational Resources, "Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that everyone has the right to education." I agree that universal education should be afforded to all, however, opencourseware should be able to be accessed by everyone for it to be universal. So, one barrier to universal access is the availability of Internet for everyone to access. Currently, as far as I know not everyone have access to Internet and those who may benefit the most from opencourseware for educational purpose are more concerned with their basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing rather than accessing the Internet to see what a particular course consist of. So, although opencourseware may have had the potential to be a transformative platform for individuals to improve their lives. Its not!
Also, based on the above mentioned article there was not a lot of educational institutions that participated in opencourseware initiative. This could be problematic because only particular interest are being promoted. A variety of institutions not just university but colleges and trade schools should be involved in posting their course syllabus and instructional material online for individuals interested in learning about a variety of different professions, trade, or things to gain access. With the small pool of opencourseware (OpenContent) available it can't have the universal status as the article would want you to believe.
When comparing MOOCs to OpenContent, I think MOOCs have much more transformative benefits in society than OpenContent because of the difference with the interaction with the information and content in a course. However, I reiterate until the cost of accessing the web becomes affordable for people who can`t afford to attend formal schools and want to improve their lives is able to access these educational tools universal education will not be achieved.
Great summary. Indeed, we must always look at the availability of internet services when looking at providing accessible education for all. Even within Canada, and cities such as Brampton, although families do have basic necessities some do not see access to the internet as a necessity. Others may feel that they simply cannot afford internet access, or access to a computer, both of which are expensive.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I would have to agree with you, sometimes we easily forget that many people around the world still can't afford internet or computers. Sometimes I feel we assume that one can afford or access such things, simply because we can. It is important to think outside the box and the bigger picture.
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