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What role do open educational resources play in the future of online learning?

Brionna Mustoo

Open educational resources (OERs) have played and will continue to play a crucial role in the future of online learning. These resources are educational materials that are available for free, and they can be used and reused for teaching, learning and research purposes.

One of the main advantages of OERs is that they lower the cost of education. With the rising cost of education, OERs provide students with free access to quality learning resources, regardless of their financial situation. OERs also give educators access to high-quality materials, which they can use to improve the quality of education they offer their students.

Another advantage of OERs is that they promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing. OERs are often created and shared by professionals in the field, who collaborate to create and share resources that can benefit others. This knowledge-sharing culture encourages a more collaborative approach to learning and teaching, promoting better pedagogy and information-sharing among institutions.

OERs also promote innovation in online learning. With access to a wealth of open-source resources, educators and students are able to experiment with different teaching and learning strategies, creating unique and creative ways of sharing information and engaging with digital content. This can lead to the development of new learning technologies and strategies, leading to novel approaches to online learning.

The future of online learning will also be shaped by the way OERs are used in curriculum design. OERs can be used to create customized and personalized learning experiences, tailored to the needs of students. Institutions can create curricula based on OERs, allowing students to learn at their own pace, using resources that best fit their learning style and pace.

Finally, OERs can play a role in breaking down global barriers to education, offering opportunities for people who might not otherwise have access to quality learning resources. With open access to resources, people from any part of the world can learn and contribute to the development of new knowledge and teaching methodologies.

In summary, OERs are a crucial component of the future of online learning. They promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing, innovation, and personalized learning, while reducing the cost of education and breaking global barriers to education. As online education continues to grow, OERs will continue to play a significant role in shaping its future, driving innovation, and making education more accessible to everyone around the world.