Understanding the potential of OER
OER are learning materials that enable reuse and repurposing by others without permission. This allows better access to high-quality learning materials for all through a virtuous cycle of materials being developed, improved and repurposed over time and for different contexts.
This unit introduces the concept of open educational resources (OER) and puts them in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for education. Understanding this potential is the cornerstone for designing any OER-focused policy.
At the end of this unit, the policy-maker should have developed clear conceptions of how OER can be used in the local context and have clarity on the licensing requirements.
This unit has introduced the potential of OER for achieving Agenda 2030, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education. It has also described the importance of open licensing and technical openness if OER are to realise this potential.
Your task is to formulate a first sketch of the OER policy, which will be elaborated and given more detail in the following units and planning phases. Such a sketch provides an orientation for the focus of the policy and for what expertise will be required in the policy-design process.