Blog Post: Why Open Education and Open Educational Resources Matter
Location: tracyslearningjourney.weebly.com
Tracy you made a statement that, ``Open Education means that no matter where one lives, with a computer and Internet connection they too can have access to these free educational resources.” This is true.
This however brings me back to a point I and others have mentioned in previous posts. What about those families that for one reason or another do not have a computer or Internet? I have experienced this in my own teaching, and it definitely limits a student’s learning opportunity, especially if they are expected to work online. One will say then they can use the computers at school or at the public library. I have not checked out the public library lately but the last time I did you were limited in time spent and there was a line up to use the computers. In relation to computers at school, I have heard time and time again about schools that still have limited access for each classroom for computer time in the lab, let along having computers in their own classrooms.
Jane C stated in her comment on Michaels’ blog post, “I have brought a laptop, iPad, tablet of my own for my students to use. I also let them use my Mac and my phone to search for information.” Jane should not have to fund her student’s use of technology.
The Ministry of Education in its 21st Learning Initiative states that,
In 21st Century Learning, students use educational technologies to apply knowledge to new
situations, analyze information, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. Utilizing
emerging technologies to provide expanded learning opportunities is critical to the success of
future generations. Improved options and choice for students will help improve student
completion and achievement.
If the focus is on technology, then the province needs to be willing to provide the funding for up to date technology for all schools.
My friend’s daughters attend Ecole Victor Brodeur a school which is part of the Canadian Francophone School District. Each student at a certain grade level, I believe grade 4, are given a personal laptop to use throughout their school years. The key here is that they see the importance of technology and are willing to fund it. How can they afford this I would like to know?
The OERs are out there for our students to benefit from, now let’s see the Ministry of Education ante up the money so our students can take full advantage of these.
Resources:
Michaels Blog Post:
http://michaelmlearnsonline.weebly.com/15/post/2013/04/why-open-education- matters.html#comments
21st Century Learning Initiative:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/21century_learning.htm
Location: tracyslearningjourney.weebly.com
Tracy you made a statement that, ``Open Education means that no matter where one lives, with a computer and Internet connection they too can have access to these free educational resources.” This is true.
This however brings me back to a point I and others have mentioned in previous posts. What about those families that for one reason or another do not have a computer or Internet? I have experienced this in my own teaching, and it definitely limits a student’s learning opportunity, especially if they are expected to work online. One will say then they can use the computers at school or at the public library. I have not checked out the public library lately but the last time I did you were limited in time spent and there was a line up to use the computers. In relation to computers at school, I have heard time and time again about schools that still have limited access for each classroom for computer time in the lab, let along having computers in their own classrooms.
Jane C stated in her comment on Michaels’ blog post, “I have brought a laptop, iPad, tablet of my own for my students to use. I also let them use my Mac and my phone to search for information.” Jane should not have to fund her student’s use of technology.
The Ministry of Education in its 21st Learning Initiative states that,
In 21st Century Learning, students use educational technologies to apply knowledge to new
situations, analyze information, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. Utilizing
emerging technologies to provide expanded learning opportunities is critical to the success of
future generations. Improved options and choice for students will help improve student
completion and achievement.
If the focus is on technology, then the province needs to be willing to provide the funding for up to date technology for all schools.
My friend’s daughters attend Ecole Victor Brodeur a school which is part of the Canadian Francophone School District. Each student at a certain grade level, I believe grade 4, are given a personal laptop to use throughout their school years. The key here is that they see the importance of technology and are willing to fund it. How can they afford this I would like to know?
The OERs are out there for our students to benefit from, now let’s see the Ministry of Education ante up the money so our students can take full advantage of these.
Resources:
Michaels Blog Post:
http://michaelmlearnsonline.weebly.com/15/post/2013/04/why-open-education- matters.html#comments
21st Century Learning Initiative:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/21century_learning.htm