UNESCO And Ministry Of Education Advance National Policy On Open Source Educational Resources - Caribseek News

"UNESCO continues to solidify its commitment to the advancement of Education through the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) as it partners with the Ministry of Education and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in a policy development workshop on October 17-18. The workshop which will take place at the Curriculum Development Unit is a step along the process of UNESCO’s project on 'Enhancing Open Suite Strategies in Caribbean Small Island Developing States.' Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO, Antonio Maynard is advising that the facilitation of the workshop is within the framework of the assimilation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the mainstream of Education policy in St. Kitts-Nevis. Policy makers, relevant officers from the Ministry of Education and Department of Technology, key learning institutions and private sector stakeholders will participate in the two-day workshop and will agree on the scope of proposed ICT in Education as well as key policy positions for the country. The discussions will feature the development of an understanding of ICT and the concept of Open Educational Resources which include open access to scientific information and free and open software. Topics will include: The Role of OER in Achieving Educational Objectives; The Case for OER; ICT Infrastructure and Connectivity; Quality Assurance; The OER Business Model; Financial mechanisms to support OER; Licensing Options and Immediate Next Steps. UNESCO and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) have engaged a consultant who will provide technical advice and guidance and develop competencies as needed to strengthen and refine the national OER policy. Other experts from the UNESCO Jamaica Cluster office for the Caribbean will facilitate at the work shop."