In the previous lesson we explored the UNESCO OER Recommendation, and adopted an adapted version of Rolfe’s reflective model to explore it more closely and with our context in mind. We went through the first two steps of the framework for self-reflection, answering two questions: “What?” and “So what?”, with the Action Areas in mind. It is now time to move forward and go to the third question: Now what?

  • Now what? – identify what you and your institution, organisation, and/or work team can/need to do in the future to improve open education future outcomes and impact. Then, reflect on what you foresee/can influence/can enact at the governmental level to facilitate actions to implement the Recommendation.

To get inspired about actions you might want to start, contributing to the implementation of any (or many) of the areas of action you’ve read before in the UNESCO OER Recommendation, why not look at something created collaboratively by the global OE community?

Take a moment to explore the OER Recommendation Action Matrix: It outlines pragmatic activities that governments and educational institutions can consider operationalising under the five action areas listed in the UNESCO OER Recommendation to support its implementation. In so doing, the Matrix contributes to the efforts of mainstreaming OER and related practices worldwide. The Network of Open Organisations developed the OER Recommendation Actions Matrix through a collaborative process guided by members and led by OER Africa. This document needs time to be properly explored, and no one but you knows where you can act on one or more of the suggested adaptable items.

It’s time to complete the forum post you drafted in the previous lesson, based on the first two questions (What? So what?), with your answer to the third question: Now what? Add your reflections on the first action you can take today, starting from where you are and what you do in the context you are located. It doesn’t have to be big: sometimes, the ideal way to get more involved is starting with something small - like, writing an email to invite someone to discuss OE topics with you or looking into one of the wonderful OER that are shared on the internet with the purpose of reusing it in your lessons, or for your own benefit.