Open educational resources (OER) can serve as a powerful tool to help educators facilitate class discussions about race and equity. Yet, some educators may be unsure of how to locate and utilize relevant OER and what their role should be in these important conversations. How can we better understand how OER are being used and communicate the ways it can empower educators?
This question helped inform new messaging research conducted by communications firm GMMB and research firm Zebra Strategies, with the support of the Hewlett Foundation. We will first review findings from messaging research with educators, administrators, and students as well as developed fictional "personas" of educators with a desire to address race and equity in their work that can help communicators effectively tailor their OER messaging to different target audiences.
Equipped with these insights, participants will be guided through a three-step framework that will put the research into action. Using an interactive format, participants will be able to craft a plan that is relevant to their local context by guiding them to clearly identify a specific goal, who they need to help reach that goal (i.e. audience), and by applying the insights from the research, developing strategies that will drive action.
By attending this session, attendees will be able to:- Understand the motivations and drivers of educators likely to use OER and address race and equity in their education
- Incorporate research-based communications principles into their own communications about open education and equity
- Develop actionable communications frameworks centered on helping educators who want to facilitate discussions on race and address equity in their work
