For this response post, I have focused on Brooke’s blog post #4 about Open Pedagogy and Resources.
Brooke, I really enjoyed your reflection on Open Pedagogy and how it empowers students as creators. Your perspective on the benefits of OER is insightful, especially when you highlight how eliminating educational costs can reduce financial stress and improve student participation. I can completely relate to the idea that when resources are easily accessible and free, it allows us to focus more on learning rather than on the financial burden of acquiring textbooks.
Your experience at UVic, where OER usage has been limited, is also relatable. It’s interesting to see how many universities are still exploring ways to fully integrate OER into their courses, and your mention of the Campus E-bookstore is a good reminder of the resources that are available.
The connection you made between Creative Commons licensing and its importance in accessing and sharing OER is another key point. Understanding licensing conditions helps ensure that both creators and users respect the terms of use, which is vital for fostering an open and collaborative educational environment.
I also appreciate the proactive steps you mentioned from Gosa’s Ted Talk. Advocating for OER and raising awareness about the costs of educational materials are practical ways to help drive change, and your suggestions encourage a community-based approach to improving access to education. Great work!