Review of Wiley, D. (2010) ‘Open education and the future’, TEDxNYED 2010. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0syrgsH6M (accessed 29 March 2014).
David Wiley talks about openness in education as primarily being thought of as sharing of resources but also sharing of knowledge. He states that our expertise can be given - freely - without being "given away" (in the sense that we still have it).
He talks about how we are using what we learn - and are effectively re-purposing it - as we go about our daily jobs.
Examples were given of attempts to restrict access to knowledge through the centuries - and of how these eventually failed, although they caused hardship in the short term.
My thoughts...
I recognise in myself the child throwing the tantrum and shouting, "Mine, mine!"
I wasn't sure why I feel like this... because it isn't how I act in practice (honest).
For example, I send potential clients to my competitors if I'm at capacity, or if I feel they will do a better job. I've spent hours on the phone with people wanting to become technical communicators, or who want to move into freelance work and want some tips. I publish the materials I develop for the course I teach to the regional tutors' area. I share tips for conveying concepts with other trainers who are working on behalf of the same company... although I developed them and use them in my own courses.
Having thought it through some more, I have had an epiphany... it came when David Wiley was talking about the professor who wanted to copyright his lectures, and therefore the student's notes as derivative works. That's not what I want to do - once someone has some of my resources, they can do with them what they want.
My problem is related, though. I've already said I'm happy to share... but I'm happy to share with people I know will make good use of what I'm sharing. People who are competent to teach what I teach. In a formal educational setting, for example, I'd be more than happy for good teachers (trainers) to take my writing skills materials and use them. What I'm worried about is not-so-good (in other words, bad) teachers taking my materials and not doing a good job.
Maybe I just need to let those signing up for the courses worry about how competent the trainer is...
I agree Alison, in that I've written some handouts and put them on the tutor group forum for my students and notice that other tutors are using them. I wouldn't mind if they asked first. Since then I write my name in the footer so at least it's credited to me, which is I think what I've mainly got the problem with. It should be recognised who authored it. Amanda HV
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