Using OER and open pedagogy

Strategies of using OER in teaching can broadly be categorized into two approaches: adopting and adapting open materials instead of copyrighted ones, and engaging in open pedagogy.

Adopting and adapting OER

Adopting and adapting OER means that you switch from a copyrighted material to an open one. This process can be summarized in three steps:

• Identify what copyright-protected materials you use and would like to replace
• Find open alternatives that can be used to achieve the same learning goals

• Adapt found open materials to match your teaching style, students’ needs, and course learning goals

Open pedagogy

Open pedagogy refers to teaching formats and practices that capitalize on the fact that OER are adaptable, and can be freely shared. Central to the philosophy of open pedagogy is the student as an empowered, active co-creator of knowledge. Instead of asking students to create assignments that are disposable, in open pedagogy settings, students create (or alter existing) open materials and knowledge items that are then shared with the world. This way, students can contribute to the body of knowledge, gain meaningful learning experiences, and claim ownership of the learning process, potentially increasing their motivation to learn. The impact of their work and learning is more visible too.

Examples of open pedagogy at the University of Groningen:

Open Science Bites - podcast of the UG: Four views on open education

Finding proper OER

Regardless of what strategy you employ, it starts by finding an OER to use or a niche to fill with your own OER. The OER support point can help with that! You can reach us via the email listed below, or find collections of OER as well as tips for a successful search strategy in our Library Guide.