What is a five-letter word that means "open content"?

If you go into downtown Richmond this weekend, you will see lots of pink and green!


“Free” is the word that comes to mind, especially after viewing Tasha Brown’s presentation on Open Content Resources. There are a variety of resources – course content, interactive learning modules, application software, etc. – available to us. Tasha has pointed us to many resources, some that I have heard of and have used such as MERLOT and MIT Open Courseware. Other resources I had not heard of or have not yet tried, such as Quandary and Hot Potatoes. Tasha (and Janice in her presentation on Going Global) encourages us to just get in there and try these resources. Great idea, but where can we find the time?

About two years ago, Joyce Barnes and I did a presentation, Working Smarter and Not Harder, on time management for instructors. We talked about ways to use the tools to keep from being overwhelmed by the demand for interaction. In just the two years since that presentation, the number of new resources that have become available is amazing. I think Tasha has given some good advice - just pick a few and try them. Later in the conference, Joyce will be sharing more suggestions for resources to tap in “Why Create It? It Might Be Out There”.

Next week you will have the benefit of a different perspective and a different voice in the conference blog. Be sure to check daily for comments by Barbara Glenn, Dean of Humanities & Social Sciences at JSRCC.