MY REFLECTIONS ON OPEN LEARNING, DURING THE CORONA PANDEMIC
Ingrid Rystedt, April 9th, 2020
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An unusual Easter in corona isolation
We ponder the merits of open education
While our university buildings are currently in lockdown
Open forums for learning, help our minds move around
The basic foundation of open learning is sharing
And this in a world which increasingly needs caring
With an open network, everybody can speak
Even as each individual may be relatively weak
Open learning clearly multiplies our strength
When we cannot be closer than the arms’ length
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During an extended time period when we all lack immunity
Open networks and open learning are increasingly promoting unity
Still, we, who studied and trained before mobiles and internet
May sometimes, instead of possibility, view openness as a threat
Nevertheless, we clearly need all ages, ethnicities and cultures on board
Because, in open learning, our differences combine into an exceptional accord
Remixing of knowledge adds a new dimension to education
Where learning is less repetition and much more like creation
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What can I gain from having my own resources openly online?
Maybe the realization that no knowledge is truly just mine?
I may also get feedback and suggestions for improvement
When multiplied, this process can foster a completely new movement
This begs the question: What does it mean to learn?
Can credit and degrees be free for everybody to earn?
When universities are brave enough to mingle with everyone
Academia is not only transformed, but also more fun
—
The sceptics raise important concerns about educational quality
In turn, advocates point to the significance of equity and equality
Some institutions argue there is no way around charging tuition
Meanwhile, other institutions see their value in a societal mission
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Many of us are still used to knowledge being commercialized
However, this understanding will rapidly need to be revised
We tend to think our governments must reward excellence in science
But what if the university’s unsurpassed asset is the broad-based alliance?
Thus, governments must restructure how universities make money
And reward reciprocal sharing, as role modeled by the Easter bunny
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The challenges of our world today are immense and extensive
This is no time for educators and researchers to be defensive
Corona virus DNA, sequenced and placed openly for everyone to see
For an unprecedented international collaboration, was the crucial key
Open learning plays an important role in our search for a vaccination
The sharing of ideas, knowledge and experience goes beyond every nation
Concurrently, students and teachers across a multitude of universities
Are forced by the pandemic to overcome digital insecurities and adversities
With individuals, as well as healthcare and financial systems, still in great pain
For open learning, quarantine and isolation may have rendered a permanent gain
