How do you support and inspire others into adopting and embracing Openness (Open Educational Practices, Open Data, Open Educational Resources, Open Access and Open Science).
Please do share your ideas with us using this forum, we aim at writing about your good practices so others can help and promote the adoption of Openness in education
I think the book Made With Creative Commons can be a good resource for that
Just eating my own dog food when using software and publishing contents, and showing advantages of openness while not relying on criticism and moral values. E.g. better use Libreoffice Calc than Microsoft Excel on practical sessions and comparing how easier is to import CSV (just one-step and not manual selection of filters) or teaching SQL language on DB Browser for SQLite rather than visual MS Access with examples on limitations from Access or any ERP. IMO the moral sermon is not a good introduction to openness because students tend to favour the easier tool in the short term.
Ah, the noble pursuit of openness! Here’s how I’d inspire folks to dive into the open pool:
The Freedom Pitch
“Imagine a world where knowledge isn’t hoarded like dragon treasure. Openness is like giving everyone the map to the treasure and saying, ‘Here, go nuts!’”
The Efficiency Angle
“Why reinvent the wheel when someone’s already shared the blueprint? Open practices mean you can build faster, better, and with less headache. It’s like using a recipe instead of guessing how much salt goes into a cake.”
The Community Builder
“Openness isn’t just about sharing; it’s about building a community. You’re not just a lone scientist or educator; you’re part of a global club where everyone’s cheering each other on. It’s like having a worldwide study group!”
The Moral Imperative
“If you’ve got knowledge that could change lives, why keep it behind paywalls or in secret labs? Share it! It’s like having the cure for a common cold but keeping it in your back pocket. Not cool, right?”
The Innovation Accelerator
“Closed systems are like echo chambers. Openness brings in fresh perspectives. It’s like throwing open the doors to your party – you never know who might bring the best tunes or the best ideas.”
The Personal Growth Story
“Ever learned something because someone decided to share it freely? That’s the ripple effect. You’re not just educating one person; you’re starting a wave. Be the pebble that creates those ripples.”
The Practical Benefits
“Funding, recognition, collaborations – these are more likely when you’re open. It’s like being the cool kid at school who shares their lunch. Suddenly, everyone wants to sit with you.”
The Fun Factor
“There’s a joy in creation, and there’s even more joy when your creation helps others create. It’s like being a part of a giant, global Lego project where everyone’s building on each other’s work.”
The Ethical Argument
“Science, education, and knowledge aren’t just products; they’re human rights. Keeping them closed is like having a monopoly on air. Share, and let everyone breathe.”
The Challenge
“Be bold. Being open can be risky, but isn’t that the essence of progress? It’s like skydiving – terrifying yet exhilarating, and oh, the view from up there!"
By weaving these points into conversations, presentations, or even casual chats, you can make the case for openness not just as a practical choice but as an exciting, ethical, and community-building endeavor. Remember, it’s not just about convincing; it’s about inspiring a movement where sharing knowledge isn’t just a choice but a way of life. Now go forth and open up the world!