Journal Response: How could open resources change schools?

How Could Open Resources Change Schools?

     The use of open resources could have many positive impacts on education. Immediately, the cost of textbooks would be eliminated. Textbooks are extremely expensive and schools, therefore, tend to use textbooks that are out of date and inaccurate. Moving away from textbooks would provide students with up to date information and access to current affairs. Using a digital database of resources would allow students to gather information from many sources rather than getting all of their information from one source which tends to be the case when using textbooks to educate. Another benefit of the use of open resources is its relevance to real-world applications that students will face later in their academic careers and work career allowing students to practice the collection, evaluation, and interpretation of information from the Internet and other digital resources. Finally, the use of open resources allows for student centered instruction and the presentation of information in a way that suits each individual student's learning style. 

     That being said, one can also see some negative impacts of moving away from the use of textbooks towards the use of open resources. For instance, in order to provide an equitable education, all students would need the same access to computers and devices. Schools would either have to allow students to use their own devices (a BYOD program) or provide all students with devices which can be restrictively expensive. Also, although more uncommon, many students still don't have computer access or Internet access at home. Teachers would have to be provided with professional development on how to teach using technology and how to use the devices and programs that may be used. Students and parents would have to be given guidance and instruction on how to gather and evaluate information independently. Finally, who is in charge of selecting or creating the databases of information that would be available to the students? After all, information that is pertinent and important to one area or school may not be as valuable in another area or school.