Iterating Toward Openness

OCTOBER 30, 2017

There was a lot of discussion at OpenEd17 about the relationship between OER and value-added services like platforms. Both the wider internet and the narrower education space are filled with companies and organizations that provide value-added services around openly licensed software and content. Do you find that hard to believe?

OER 60

OER LMS Learning Moodle 60

Edsurge

AUGUST 5, 2017

Students need to have an option to reply where they can briefly indicate why they were absent and, if they are in crisis, be automatically redirected to on-campus (ex: counselling center) and neighborhood assistance (immigration advocacy). But companies might not be attuned enough to how the user experience shifts from one device to another.

Mobility 86

Mobility OER Technology BYOD 86

Iterating Toward Openness

NOVEMBER 13, 2017

[Back in 2012 – 2013] I was impressed (like many others I’m sure) with how Wiley was able to frame the cost-savings argument around open textbooks to build broader interest for OERs. I fear it is OER wanting it both ways. The question we must each ask ourselves is – what is the real goal of our OER advocacy?

Accessibility 62

Accessibility OER Pearson MOOC 62

Hack Education

OCTOBER 7, 2016

It’s always fascinating to look at ed-tech companies’ job postings – this one is from Khan Academy. The new company will be called Touch Press (which was the name of another company that StoryToys acquired last year). iNACOL has released a report on advocacy for competency-based education.

Education 63

Education MOOC Report Khan Academy 63

Hack Education

DECEMBER 30, 2019

Without revenue the company will go away. Or the company will have to start charging for the software. Or it will raise a bunch of venture capital to support its “free” offering for a while, and then the company will get acquired and the product will go away. And “free” doesn’t last.

Pearson 145

Pearson MOOC Company Software 145

Hack Education

JUNE 10, 2016

the Virginia company at the heart of the operation.” Here’s the EdWeek headline: “ Company Exec. for Ed-Tech Company Testifies in Ala. ” Gee, good thing no one else in ed-tech is in the business of selling these sorts of connections between companies and politicians and schools! ” Ugh.

Education 48

Education MOOC Company Report 48

Hack Education

OCTOBER 28, 2016

” Via the Education Law Center : “Several New Jersey civil rights and parent advocacy organizations have filed a legal challenge to new high school graduation regulations recently adopted by the State Board of Education. Via eCampus News : “ Barnes & Noble Education announces advanced OER courseware.”

Education 40

Education Pearson Blackboard Survey 40