One of the great things about OER is that most people in the community are so tech savvy… but that can also be a limitation. It’s a concern that those who aren’t as tech savvy (as is the case with many teachers and subject matter experts) aren’t being included. In some cases, those who are less tech-comfortable are even being scared off by overly-aggressive tech geeks who are more interested in tech perfection than in good content.
This week, as a part of my reaching out to find user stories about OER users and creators, I had the good fortune to meet Cheryl Johnson. Cheryl has contributed illustrations to the FreeReading site. In emails back and forth, Cheryl mentioned that isn’t very “computer literate.” She loves drawing though and has an interest in education that goes back to her mother who was a teacher.
Here’s what Cheryl told me about getting involved in FreeReading: “I was told that [FreeReading] was in need of artists willing to contribute illustrations of short passages as a resource for teaching literacy to young children. I checked online and saw what was required in the way of art and decided to devote some time to the site. This was the very kind of artwork that I have enjoyed drawing most of my life especially as my own four children were growing up. I have always liked doing line drawings to color in and have spent many happy hours with children, mine and their friends, drawing on demand so that they could color in my pictures. It’s very exciting to read the passages and have a mental picture immediately pop up in my head. I hope to continue to contribute artistically to this wonderful site.”
Artwork is an important (and potentially expensive and difficult to source) part of any OER. What a treasure to have people like Cheryl willing to contribute.
If you’re involved in OER, think about someone you know that could contribute but that may not be tech savvy. Invite them in, and help them feel welcome and comfortable. Everyone will benefit.