Increasing access to education through OER and creative global dissemination networks
Presenter:Kathleen Ludewig (MSI/MPP Candidate 2010)
Presented to: School of InformationiPol One Web DaySeptember 22, 2009
Copyright 2009 Regents of the University of Michigan. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Copyright 2009 Regents of the University of Michigan. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License. To view a copy of this license, visit <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/>.United States License. To view a copy of this license, visit <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/>.
Problems
- Educational materials are expensive
- Disparity in health care within and between
countries
- Healthcare worker shortage, especially in
developing countries
Solution
Learning materials that are freely available for use,
redistribution, and adaptation
OER
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
A Huge Array Of OERs Exist TodayAcross Different Populations Of Learners
K-12 Higher Education Life-Long Learning
Courses
Lesson plans
Teacher training
Video lectures
Courseware
Podcasts
Journals
Books
Images
Applications
Games
Slide from Presentation CC BY William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Presentation at University of Michigan, October 23, 2008
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
OERs Are Available Across The World
Slide from Presentation CC BY William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Presentation at University of Michigan, October 23, 2008
Caveat
The resources may be free, but there are other
barriers (e.g. technical) to access
Facts
Ghana South Africa
Internet Users 650,000 (2007) 5.1 million (2005)
Internet Hosts 24,018 (2008) 1.297 million (2008)
Cell Phone Users 7.604 million (2007) 42.3 million (2007)
Source: CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
Explanation
Bandwidth (DSL, dialup, broadband, and satellite)
are expensive.
Source: International Development Research Centre, http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-6568-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html
Workarounds
Server side:
- Compressed files, simple GUI
- Removable media
Client Side:
- Removable media
- Intranet
- Social networks (e.g. student representatives)
Bandwidth for Education, some efforts:
- Universal Giving (Partnership with One Web
Day):
http://philanthropost.wordpress.com/take-
action-resources/spread-the-web/
- Partnership for Higher Education in Africa:
http://www.foundation-partnership.org/
Policy Advocacy
- Telecenters
- Mobile phones
- Traveling library
- Freedom Toaster
Partnerships with other ICT4D Innovations?
If you want to share your materials, educational or otherwise,
worldwide I recommend that you:
1)Attach an open license (e.g. Creative Commons) and use
only public domain or open content in your materials
(Open.Michigan can help you get started!)
2)Include compressed files and other UI customizations for low-
bandwidth environments
3)Investigate distribution methods other than the Internet (e.g.
removable media, Intranet)
4)Join advocacy campaigns for bandwidth for education in
developing countries
Conclusion
Questions?
https://open.mich.edu/wiki/
http://www.oerafrica.org/