Topic #4 Discussion Post

In our final reading of this course, the authors Wiley & Hilton (2018) introduce us to the idea of OER-Enabled Pedagogy. Along with this concept, there is a test that is made up of four questions which allows us to determine if a specific teaching or learning practice can be considered a renewable assignment. 

What do you think of the test?

I think this test is very useful. I like that it only has four questions, this makes it quick and efficient to use. In the past, I have seen tests with similar intentions to this one but there are many more questions and I find that when there are more questions people are much less likely to use it, as it’s more time consuming. I believe that using this test would be a beneficial way to ensure that teachers are following open pedagogy and creating meaningful teaching and learning situations.

Do you have examples from your education that would pass all four parts?

One example that I think passes all for parts of this test would be the blog posts we must complete in this course (EDCI 339). I will show this by answering the questions of the test below.

1. Are students able to create new artifacts (essay, poems, video, songs, ect) or revise/remix existing OER?

Yes, we have been creating new blog posts for every topic. Furthermore, we have also been given the opportunity to revise an existing blog post and use it for our final assignment.

• 2. Does the new artifact have value beyond supporting the learning of its author?

Yes, the blogs are available for anyone to read, which also gives them the opportunity to hear my thoughts on whatever is being discussed during that topic. They then have the choice to educate themselves further, if they wish. We are also in learning pods for this course, and my group members read my posts which also allows further discussions. 

• 3. Are students invited to publicly share their new artifacts or revised/remixed OER?

Yes, I was invited to share my blog posts on my WordPress site, which is available for anyone to see if they know my site name.

• 4. Are students invited to openly license their new artifacts or revised/remixed OER?

Yes, my WordPress site is openly licensed.

If you are planning to become a teacher, will you aim to design tasks that pass all four parts? Why or why not?

I will definitely use this test in the future for certain assignments. I do not think it is realistic to pass all four components of this test with every learning task I give in the future, but being aware of it will be extremely beneficial to me. It will allow me to realize when I have not used a renewable learning assignment, and then when I notice this I will keep that in consideration for the next task to ensure I am mixing it up for my students.

Do any of the proposed research questions catch your attention? Do you have a hypothesis as to what the findings would be? Explain.

The proposed research question that catches my eye is, “Do students assigned to create, revise, or remix artifacts find these assignments more valuable, interesting, motivating, or rewarding than other forms of assessment?” In my opinion, I do believe that students would find this type of learning more interesting, motivating, and rewarding. I think this because this allows the learner to be in charge and lets them create an artifact they are proud of. They are then able to use what they create to educate others and from my own personal experience educating others on a topic you are passionate about is such an amazing opportunity and makes me feel excited. 

To me this photo represents the importance of meaningful learning.

References:

Wiley, D. & Hilton, J. (2018). Defining OER-enabled Pedagogy. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 19(4).