Feels good to get back to writing, after two very constructive weeks discussing open learning. Had a few reflections during the past couple of weeks, but I would like to focus on a specific phenomena.

I have been on LinkedIn for years now, and I am a big fan. Among the different job ads, job updates, announcements, polls, surveys, etc., more and more I notice the following posts:

View my verified achievement from <some MOOC>

And then I look at the name and try to recall from where I know this person. And then I remember… Oh yeah, he’s a guy from college. We studied computer science together, and now he is taking online open courses on networking to broaden his knowledge. And I keep scrolling. BOOM. Another post with the same content. This time I recognise a girl, I used to know back in high school. She studies economics, and now she is taking online open courses, in graphic design, because after a few years, she realised that she did not really like economics and was a better fit in graphic design. And then another one. I know her. She studies law but she was always passionate about politics and I see her posting her latest certificate on “Moral Foundation of Politics”. I stop scrolling, and I start thinking. So many different people, keen on learning, for so many different reasons. People keep on educating and re-educating themselves. They keep on adding value. Some do it to advance with their careers, some others because they want to take another path, and some others just because they are passionate. However their agendas and other circumstances , do not allow them to go to university and start another degree. So what are the benefits of open learning, that so many people are pursuing them these days?

First thing that comes to mind, is accessibility. Open learning allows everyone to dive deeper into their topics of interest, no matter where they live, no matter their educational background, no matter if they can afford it or not, no matter how much free time they have. They can study chemistry and no-one will tell them: “You do not have enough credits”. They can sign up for a course while taking their morning coffee, start watching their first lecture during their break, and finish it off home. These are very relevant factors, considering the fact that people nowadays are feeling overwhelmed from their busy lives, and they feel like they cannot push further with their learning.

Moreover, another important factor are Open Educational Resources (OERs). Students who pursue traditional education, are often required to buy textbooks that they might not be able to afford and at times that leads to students dropping out as they cannot afford the costs. But that is not the case with OERs as you can access them for free. Moreover, the resources used in traditional education, are limited, and for a considerable amount of time “static”, while OERs, are “infinite, and can be easily combined. And you know what I like the most? People can like, comment, rate all the resources they are working with. And when I go in there, I get to choose.

To summarise, the power of open learning, is truly undeniable. It provides a true learning experience, and most importantly, it gives everyone a chance to lifelong learning.