References

Chakravarty, R. and Kaur, S. 2008.

OpenCourseware: Learning Beyond Classroom. Proceedings Trends and Strategic Issues for Libraries in Global Information Society, pp. 111-119.

Why OCW is useful for teachers as reference

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Definition of OER (Johnstone, Hylen)

 By Open Educational Resources (OER) initiatives we understand:

1) Open courseware and content; 2) Open software tools (e.g. learning management systems); 3) Open material for e-learning capacity building of faculty staff; 4) Repositories of learning objects; and 5) Free educational courses." (Hylén, 2005)

This definition is consistent with similar definitions from previous work. For example, Johnstone, (2005) defining the nature of resources according to their function in learning, writes, "By 2004 OER was defined to include:

• Learning resources - courseware, content modules, learning objects, learner-support and assessment tools, online learning communities • Resources to support teachers - tools for teachers and support materials to enable them to create, adapt, and use OER, as well as training materials

for teachers and other teaching tools

• Resources to assure the quality of education and educational practices. One is tempted to think of 'resources' in terms of static physical objects or digital resources, such as texts, images, graphics and multimedia. But a wider view would include all the supports for an educational system. For example, a UNESCO (2002) report includes:

• Visiting lecturers and experts • Twinning arrangements, providing for international exchanges of students and academic staff • Imported courseware in a variety of media • Externally developed sponsored programmes • Inter-institutional programmes developed collaboratively • Publications • Information resources of the internet.