Open Education Handbook/Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


 * Is fair dealing/use equivalent to OER?

No. Fair dealing and fair use rights are critical, but that is not the same as OER. See the OER definition.


 * Can OER be used to train teachers?

Yes, and this a key activity especially in the developing world.


 * Is a MOOC an OER?

MOOCs can be OERs if and only if their content is free to access and openly licensed (or public domain) to legally allow the '4 Rs' (reuse, redistribute, revise, remix).


 * What is the role of OER in open pedagogy/ open learning?

An open learner is an individual who embraces open technologies and approaches in their learning. An open learner model a type of learner model that encourages learner autonomy through self-awareness and self-regulation of the learning process.


 * How does policy relate to open education?

Open policies support the adoption and development of OER and OER uptake. They can help establish climates where open practices can have impact.


 * What support exists for open policy/policies?

Creative Commons, OKFN, SPARC and many other open advocates are building an Open Policy Network to support governments, systems and institutions as they create, adopt and implement open policies.


 * What is an open practitioner?

The term 'open practitioner' isn't widely used but suggests an educator who embraces open technologies and approaches in their teaching.


 * What is Open Accreditation?

Open accreditation is about awarding participation in new types of education. Open Badges are an example of dealing with accreditation, but you can also think about how MOOC participation can be awarded to make it more acceptable as part of a more traditional (eg. university) education. Other open assessment ideas include e-assessment, portfolios/diaries, PLEs, self-evaluation and learner created content.


 * What is the difference between open education and open learning?

Open learning is a term used to describe activities that either enhance learning opportunities within formal education systems or broaden learning opportunities beyond formal education systems. It often uses open education elements - such as open educational resources - but typically occurs within formal education infrastructure while open education per se is arguably unrestricted to formal learners.