OpenEd17

The 14th annual OpenEd17 conference was held in Anaheim, CA on October 11-13. Nearly 800 teaching faculty, librarians, instructional designers, and administrators attended the three-day conference focusing on all things related to Open Educational Resources (OER), open education, and open practice. Many sessions focused on the “Z-degree” initiatives at colleges, college systems, and states that are already implemented or are in development.  A “Z-degree” provides a complete pathway to graduation with zero textbook costs.

The UH System was represented by 10 faculty and staff representing librarians, instructors, and instructional designers from UH Manoa and 5 UHCC campuses (Honolulu, Kapiolani, Leeward, Maui, and Windward). Conference attendance for UHCC attendees was supported by the UHCC OER Initiative funds from Vice-President John Morton.

Two conference sessions shared the progress of UH System OER initiatives. Our own Wayde Oshiro, Head Librarian and Sunny Pai, Digital Initiatives Librarian, Kapiʻolani Community College presented on the progress of OER in the UHCC system.

Collaboration and Contrast: How University of Hawaii Librarians Collaborate to Promote OER Across Contrasting Campuses and Cultures

Billy Meinke, OER Technologist, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa presented on the progress of OER at University of Hawai’i.

Empowering Faculty and Staff to Use OER at the University of Hawai’i

For more information about OER and how you can get involved, please see the Go Open, Go Free Using Open Educational Resources @ Leeward website.