Open learning, sharing, and openness lead to free and open access to educational resources and knowledge. Open learning refers to the idea that education should be open and accessible to all, regardless of social or economic status. This means that educational resources, such as textbooks, lectures, and other materials, should be freely available online. Open learning also promotes collaboration and peer-to-peer learning, where students can share their knowledge and experiences with each other. Sharing is a critical component of open learning, as it enables the free exchange of ideas and information. Sharing can take many forms, including online forums, social media platforms, and open educational resources. Openness is a fundamental principal of open learning, as it promotes transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity. Openness encourages educators to adopt open practices such as sharing their teaching materials and making them available to others. Open learning, sharing, and openness are essential for promoting universal access to education and knowledge, fostering collaboration and innovation, and empowering students and teachers to learn and grow.
Open learning like other educational approaches has its pros and cons. Open learning offers flexibility in terms of when and where students can learn, allowing them to balance their studies with work or other commitments. Open learning materials are often created by a diverse group of individuals that brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to the learning process. However, open learning may lack the structure and support of traditional and educational institution, which can make it more challenging for some students to achieve their goals. Moreover, open learning requires self-motivation and self-discipline which can be challenging for some students who need more support to stay engaged and motivated. Additionally, open learning materials may not always be of the same quality as those produced by traditional educational institutions which can lead to lack of credibility.
Anyway, teachers can benefit greatly from open learning, sharing, and openness which can provide teachers with access to a wide range of educational resources that can help them enhance their teaching practices and provide their students with a more comprehensive education. It also offers teachers the opportunity to engage in professional development opportunities such as webinars or online courses that improve their skills. Open learning can also provide teachers with the opportunity to have collaboration and networking with other educators and experts from around the world. By sharing ideas, teachers can improve their teaching and learning outcome.
References:
Hylen, J. (2020) Open educational resources: Opportunities and challenges,
Bali, M., Cronin, C., Jhangiani, R. S. (2020) Framing open educational practices from a social justice perspective.