After reading the materials given I have found that the word ‘open’ occurred the most often in the readings, which inspired me to really contemplate the word. In all the readings, from the definition of the word in LEXICO dictionary to the chart that depicts different attributes of open pedagogy, then the urgency of teachers regarding reforming the textbook policy in school, the central idea that those factors revolve around is the word ‘open’. I don’t think I can explain the concept better nor can I summarized in a short post, but I have some thoughts about open pedagogy that I would like to share with you.

 

For me the idea about open education resources is fantastic because it essentially promotes the spread of knowledge, inspired by the ever-developing modern technology. It is important especially for people working in the education field to catch up with the new technology to utilize them and incorporate them with the pre-existing teaching methods to better spread the knowledge. Though open course has been around for quite a while even before the computer came out. For example, in the in the early 1900s, US, 4-H clubs were formed to teach youth the latest technology advances in agriculture and home economics, which got to spread across the country and illuminated the world with the idea of open education. Now almost every family has at least one computer in their home, open education is easy like never before. Students can choose when and where and what to study, without buying bulky textbook. And sometimes people can communicate better online because they have more time to think about what to say and they can just post their thoughts to people of your choice. Especially nowadays people constantly check on their phone and it becomes harder and harder to connect with people around you physically.

 

Like anything there is downside for open education too. While it’s easy to learn online, it’s also easy for anyone, some without any credential or just think they are thoughtful but might not be, to post or start teaching ‘knowledge’. After all, if all things are free online you cannot always choose the right one. Therefore, it is important we have a quality assurance system that scrutinize the content posted online for educational purposes. Wikipedia is a great website that millions people view every day to get the information they want, from Brad Pitt’s marriage to the explanation of quantum mechanics. The fact that everybody can edit the content in Wiki page makes it more of a recreational website, meaning you can browse through the women Brad had but if you want to learn some serious physics you will need to read a real book.

 

At last I would like to express my biggest concern about online study. The reason I said almost every family has a computer is because they are people I know, and I am privileged to a point that I don’t even know people who don’t have computer, which is most of the people in the world, about 4 billion people still don’t have access to internet according to United Nation. Would this make us the privileged and other not so fortunate people further apart? We are experiencing technological boom while a lot of people are striving for food for tomorrow. I hope I don’t forget about those people while we are enjoying life.

Resource:

Wikipedia

United nation