Session 3: The Importance of Open Licensing for OERs and Choosing the Right License
What we will learn: The importance of Open Licensing for the global education
In this session, we will explore the significance of open licensing for Open Educational Resources (OERs) and discuss how to choose the appropriate license for your OER project. We will introduce two popular licensing options: Choose a License and Creative Commons. By understanding the importance of open licensing and selecting the right license, you can maximize your OER's reach, reuse, and impact.
I. Understanding Open Licensing for OERs:
Define open licensing and its role in facilitating the sharing and collaboration of educational resources.
Explain the benefits of open licensing, such as promoting access, adaptation, and innovation.
Discuss how open licenses enable legal permissions for users to reuse, revise, remix, and redistribute OERs.
II. Introduction to Choose a License:
Provide an overview of Choose a License (https://choosealicense.com), a website that helps users select the appropriate license for their projects.
Explain the options available on Choose a License, including permissive licenses like MIT and Apache and copyleft licenses like GNU General Public License (GPL).
Discuss the key considerations when choosing a license, such as compatibility with other licenses, attribution requirements, and license restrictions.
III. Introduction to Creative Commons Licenses:
Introduce Creative Commons (https://creativecommons.org/choose/), a widely-used licensing framework for OERs.
Explain the Creative Commons licenses available, including CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-NC, and CC0.
Describe the specific permissions and restrictions associated with each Creative Commons license, highlighting the importance of attribution and share-alike requirements.
IV. Factors to Consider when Choosing a License:
Discuss the factors to consider when selecting a license for your OER, such as your intended audience, goals, and desired level of openness.
Explore the implications of license choices on future adaptations, commercial use, and derivative works.
Highlight the importance of reviewing and understanding the specific terms and conditions of the chosen license.
V. Practical Exercise: Choosing a License for Your OER:
Engage participants in a practical exercise where they analyze their own OER project and consider the most suitable license options.
Encourage participants to explore Choose a License and Creative Commons resources to help them make informed decisions.
Facilitate a group discussion to share insights, challenges, and considerations in selecting the suitable license for their OER.
VI. Best Practices for Open Licensing:
Share best practices for open licensing, such as providing clear attribution guidelines, using standardized license icons, and utilizing open metadata.
Discuss the importance of communicating the chosen license effectively within the OER and accompanying materials.
Emphasize the role of open licensing in fostering collaboration, promoting knowledge sharing, and building a global community of educators and learners.
Open licensing is crucial for the success and impact of OERs, allowing for the free and open sharing of educational resources. By understanding the importance of open licensing and utilizing tools like Choose a License and Creative Commons, educators can choose the appropriate license that aligns with their goals and facilitates the widest possible dissemination and use of their OERs. Open licensing empowers educators and learners worldwide to access, adapt, and contribute to the continuous improvement and evolution of education.
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