Assignment day 1

[Chris B]

1) Do you have any concerns about the quality of educational
resources developed using an open authoring approach? If so, what are
your concerns? If not, how does an open authoring approach contribute
to high quality learning materials?

I have been using internet since about 1983 so I am aware that not all
resources are accurate or complete. I feel it is the responsibility
of the resource user to decide if the resource is appropriate,
accurate and/or usable. I conduct a search about the author and about
the subject before using any internet resources.

2) In your opinion, should course development for education use
closed or open authoring approaches? Give reasons for your view?

I find that a lot of resources are closed. I understand the authors'
view that work they have done should be valued. I often only put
copyrighted material on the net as it can be used or edited
incorrectly, which then makes my other work questionable resources.
However, for struggling teachers and students it is important that
open authoring continues. In our world's economic situations it is
most important that teachers and students learn to use open authoring
as appropriate, judge accuracy and be able to edit material that might
need updating. I believe there is a place for both closed and open
authoring. Open authoring provides learning opportunities that need
to be explored by users and can create a learning experience for
anyone. Closed authoring does not offer the same opportunities, other
than in reviews.
Internet resource users need to validate, update and make appropriate
changes to resources making them usable. Open resources are often a
good way to stimulate the users' minds, producing better or new
resources.


3) What mechanisms can be adopted to assure quality of educational
content developed in Wiki environments?
Surveys or reviews would be great. In this way, users of the resource
can state what they liked or disliked, suggest methods for use, and
state the appropriate changes they have made.