Substantive Post: Open Educational Resource (Challenge C #1)
Open Educational Resource
Open Educational Resources (OERs) are a piece of learning material that can be freely and easily accessed in a public domain, such as on social media platforms, search engines (Google, Fire Fox, etc.). OERs can also (less commonly) be acquired for cheap in libraries or stores. OERs usually take the form of open-access textbooks, Youtube videos, and stock images among other things. Effectively, an OER is any publicly accessible learning material that can be used, altered, and shared.
Introduction to Python
One very impactful OER I came across on my search was a digital open-access textbook on the Athabasca University website. Athabasca is an open (read: online) Canadian university that provides a variety of accessible and free online learning resources for anyone to use.
One of these OERs is the textbook “Introduction to Computer Programming with Python” by Harris Wang (2023). The textbooks delves into the history of computers and discusses computer programming, specifically the Python programming language. The textbook goes over all the basics to learning python, from different error messages, to sets, lists and dictionaries, to If, For, and When statement, to making applications using Python.
Active Learning
Active learning is a “set of teaching strategies that engages students as active participants in their own learning.” Active learning methods aim to increase cognitive engagement for passive learners within the ICAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) framework. In the case of the OER, the textbook has a “Project” section that contains instructions learners can follow to help them learn the material through more hands-on experience.
Reference
Wang H. (2023). Introduction to Computer Programming with Python. Athabasca University. https://read.aupress.ca/projects/introduction-to-computer-programming-with-python
Hey Bashar, I thought this was a nice read about OERs and what resource you’ve found. What made you choose Athabasca University website for an OER? I know that University of Victoria also has a range of materials available for students. I think that the open-access textbook you chose sounds like a great resource for beginners, especially with how it combines theory with practice. I think that the hand-on approach definitely supports the ICAP framework and might promote the learner’s problem-solving skills and/or creativity skills through the hands-on projects. Overall, this was a great read and I found it fascinating that even I could access the book you shared. I think it really shows how accessible these platforms and resources really are.