Academic institutions in the Global South are managing several economic and structural concerns. OERs are growing in popularity as a solution to mitigate some of the challenges caused by financial hardship and inadequate infrastructure. Although OERs offer the potential to improve equity and access to higher education, recent literature suggests that open education is not necessarily inclusive education.
Panelists from different academic institutions discuss open education development and adoption throughout Africa. Their work focuses on ways OERs are used to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in African systems of higher education. They conducted studies examining the experiences of a range of stakeholders involved with OERs including students, faculty, textbook authors, and librarians. Researchers will share obstacles and successful approaches uncovered by their research as well as discuss recommendations to improve the development of OERs with a focus on social justice.
By attending this session, attendees will be able to:- Understand OER development in the Global South
- Describe opportunities and challenges faced by academic institutions in Africa
- Identify OER stakeholders and methods to support their engagement with OERs
- Explore strategies to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education
