What is Open Education?
While the Open Education Network recognizes value in several current definitions of open education, we’ve found that Hewlett Foundation’s version resonates most, conveying what we consider core principles of open education and clearly reflecting our focus on quality.
We’re pleased to share the Foundation’s succinct definition with you here:
“…we use the term ‘open education’ to encompass the myriad of learning resources, teaching practices and education policies that use the flexibility of OER to provide learners with high quality educational experiences. Creative Commons defines OER as teaching, learning, and research materials that are either (a) in the public domain or (b) licensed in a manner that provides everyone with free and perpetual permission to engage in the 5R activities – retaining, remixing, revising, reusing and redistributing the resources.”
Carousel images (in order presented) licensed by Pexels:
A Woman Sitting at the Table by Tima Miroshnichenko, Young Man Leaning Against the Wall Holding Books by Andrea Piacquadio, Students Studying Together while Looking at the Screen of a Laptop by Yan Krukau, African American Woman Standing with Notebook by Zen Chung, Photo of Woman Using Laptop by Marcus Aurelius, Multiethnic Muslim Women Using Tablet and Taking Note by Monstera Production, A College Student Holding a Book and Smiling by RDNE Stock Project, Clever Female Student Reading Book in Library by Andrea Piacquadio, Serious Ethnic Student Using Tablet on Bench by Armin Rimoldi.
We, the members of the Open Education Network (OEN), commit to working together to make open the default in higher education. When we advance open education locally and collectively, we empower faculty, remove barriers to education, and enhance student success.
The OEN is a vibrant and supportive community that advances the use of open educational resources and practices. Members benefit from and contribute to the global open education ecosystem.
These are the guiding principles that inform OEN actions:
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The Common Good: We are working for the common good of our communities. The results of our collective efforts belong to all of us. We have a mutual responsibility for stewardship of resources we create together in order to preserve and improve them for future generations. We welcome others who share our vision of the common good.
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Equity: We have a collective responsibility to build systems that will foster a more equitable future.
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Inclusivity: We believe that a diverse and inclusive community is the best way to ensure informed, just, and effective community decisions and actions.
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Action: We are an action-oriented organization advancing and championing ideas that will have a lasting benefit for the students, faculty, and staff of academic institutions and the future of learning.
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Humanity: We are not merely consumers—we are human beings. As colleagues, community members, citizens, and experts in our own lived experiences, we treat every individual with dignity and respect. We act honestly, truthfully, fairly, and with integrity in all our dealings.
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Integrity: We are accountable, transparent, and ethical. Decisions that impact the OEN are made through OEN community engagement.
- Shared Abundance: We believe that nothing should stand in the way of learning. Our collective knowledge exists in abundance. We are committed to using this abundance for the benefit of all.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is built within the traditional homelands of the Dakota people. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations.
We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.
What is Open Education?
While the Open Education Network recognizes value in several current definitions of open education, we’ve found that Hewlett Foundation’s version resonates most, conveying what we consider core principles of open education and clearly reflecting our focus on quality.
We’re pleased to share the Foundation’s succinct definition with you here:
“…we use the term ‘open education’ to encompass the myriad of learning resources, teaching practices and education policies that use the flexibility of OER to provide learners with high quality educational experiences. Creative Commons defines OER as teaching, learning, and research materials that are either (a) in the public domain or (b) licensed in a manner that provides everyone with free and perpetual permission to engage in the 5R activities – retaining, remixing, revising, reusing and redistributing the resources.”
Carousel images (in order presented) licensed by Pexels:
A Woman Sitting at the Table by Tima Miroshnichenko, Young Man Leaning Against the Wall Holding Books by Andrea Piacquadio, Students Studying Together while Looking at the Screen of a Laptop by Yan Krukau, African American Woman Standing with Notebook by Zen Chung, Photo of Woman Using Laptop by Marcus Aurelius, Multiethnic Muslim Women Using Tablet and Taking Note by Monstera Production, A College Student Holding a Book and Smiling by RDNE Stock Project, Clever Female Student Reading Book in Library by Andrea Piacquadio, Serious Ethnic Student Using Tablet on Bench by Armin Rimoldi.