• 3.1: Why Open Matters

    Open windows.jpg
    In this introductory subunit, we commence our journey with a reflection on why open matters for learning in a digital age. We will consider the meaning of freedom to learn and the current state of access to published research knowledge in a digital world. The purpose of this subunit is to establish the context for open education, copyright and open licensing as it relates to learning in the 21st century. 

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights commits to free education, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. The notion of “free” education is not extended to the tertiary level, despite the fact that in a digital world the marginal cost of replicating digital content is near zero. In this subunit, we explore the possibilities of open online initiatives to widen access to tertiary education in more affordable ways.

    Upon successful completion of this subunit you will be able to:

    • Explain the importance of sharing knowledge freely within the context of global demand for access to education.
    • Discuss the implications of why open matters for learning in a digital age.

    • Meet Stephen Downes Page

      Stephen Downes is a specialist in online learning technology and new media. He has worked with the National Research Council of Canada since 2001 and has been engaged with many leading edge research and development projects in e-learning. Downes is perhaps best known for his daily newsletter, OLDaily, which is distributed by web, email and RSS to thousands of subscribers around the world. Stephen is a popular speaker, appearing at hundreds of events around the world over the last fifteen years.

      Stephen recorded the following video for an open course on open content licensing for educators hosted by the OER Foundation and it provides a fitting introduction to our initial focus on why open matters for learning in a digital age.

    • Freedom to learn Page

      Read the following short article and then watch the video recording of Desmond Tutu reflecting on the importance of freedom in education.

    • Scientific publishing in a digital world Page

      Scientific research and dissemination of knowledge are key functions of the university. Traditionally, scientific knowledge is distributed through a process of peer-reviewed journals. Profit margins of commercial publishers of scientific journals are in excess of 30% compared with the profit margin of 12 – 15% for commercial magazines (Buranyi 2017[1]). From 1978 to 2014, the cost of academic textbooks has risen more than 800% which is more than triple the cost of inflation for the same period (Moules 2016[2]). In this section, we will reflect on and discuss the potential of open initiatives to widen affordable access to knowledge in a digital age.