Use and Reuse of Open Educational Resources (OER)

In a recent meeting of SCORE fellows at the Open University, discussion arose about exactly what do we mean by reuse of OER. We agreed there are two issues: 1) is the OER being used, and 2) is the OER being adapted and then is the new version being used. Which of these two kinds of use consititutes 'reuse of OER' may be a question of semantics. To my mind, the real question is whether the OER is being used at all, adapted or otherwise.

I am therefore looking forward to a joint LORO-SCORE impact event on 23rd March 2011 at the Open University entitled, 'OER in learning and teaching: Does it make a difference?' I plan to present some of my early findings regarding the use of learning materials distributed via iTunes U. It seems that iTunes U-distributed material is much more likely to be used as-is rather than adapted and repurposed. Some would say this proves that iTunes U-distributed material is therefore not true OER. Personally, I would state that the point is whether the material is used at all, and I am hearing many great stories from users of learning materials from iTunes U.

If you would like to take part in my survery regarding this particular topic as well as gathering data on mobile device use, I would be very grateful indeed: http://tinyurl.com/surveyitunesu

Photo courtesy of Noah Scanlin on Flickr