This week in class, we discussed Open Educational Resources (OER). These are educational materials that are accessible online and openly licensed, allowing users to retain, reuse, remix, revise, and redistribute them. I believe OER is incredibly beneficial, particularly for new teachers, as it provides inspiration and serves as a helpful starting point for lesson and activity planning.
When I first learned about OER, it made me feel more confident about creating lessons and activities. As someone with no formal teaching experience yet, exploring OER has given me inspiration and ideas for topics I might want to teach in the future. However, I think it’s important not to use these resources as-is but to adapt and personalize them to fit your teaching style and your students’ needs.
In another class, it was pointed out that some OER materials may not align with the BC curriculum. This makes it especially important to review and revise them to ensure they meet the required standards. Editing these resources allows teachers to make them more relevant and tailored to their specific educational goals.
Overall, OER provides an invaluable resource for educators at all levels. It encourages collaboration, creativity, and accessibility in education. By thoughtfully adapting these materials, teachers can craft meaningful learning experiences that are both engaging and aligned with their students’ needs and curricular requirements.
