Openness in education has lead to numerous ways people can gain access to education and educational resources. Education is, according to Wiley, Green, & Soares (2012) “first and foremost, an enterprise of sharing” (p.2). Openness is certainly required when doing research. Weller’s emphasis on the innumerable tools and programs that are available to use have all facilitated openness and as Wiley, Green, & Soares (2012) states the Internet “has empowered us to copy and share with an efficiency never before known or imagined” (p.3). The Internet brings to teaching a wealth of resources that would otherwise not be available or would take a lot of time to create. It always amazes me how many great ideas and resources are on the Internet, which can add content and engage lessons. Others inspire me and when I see great ideas it makes me want to improve my lessons. This would not be the case I didn’t have access to so many different resources and ideas.
Openness is seen as a desirable and effective mode of operation in the digital networked environment. Convenience and affordability are two ways openness can be accomplished. I often think of open learning such as MOOCs where people access only the programs they want to learn instead of programs with preselected outcomes. People can conveniently lean what they what to learn. I think this is such an effective way for professional development in education. What a great idea for everyone to learn what they want to learn on a PD day instead of the day being prescribed and irrelevant for some.
I am thankful for the openness in my school. Sharing resources and ideas happens all the time and I couldn’t image working in an environment where this doesn’t happen. Resources are remixed and recreated and I am grateful for being able to work in an open environment that is not open.
Weller, M. (2012). The openness-creativity cycle in education : A perspective. Journal of Interactive Media in Education.
Wiley, D., Green, C., & Soares, L. (2012). Dramatically Bringing down the Cost of Education with OER: How Open Education Resources Unlock the Door to Free Learning. Center for American Progress. Retrieved from http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2012/02/open_education_resources.html
Educational Technology 