Thread:An important prototype for OERu (1)

This is a very important prototype for OERu because it is based on a widely used model by many distance and online providers, namely an open distance learning course which uses a proprietary textbook.

The development of this course will provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with converting a course like this into an OER course. Fortunately the existing online version is openly licensed -- so the challenge is to figure out strategies for replacing the proprietary text. I think there are three alternatives:


 * Try and source OER replacements from a variety of sources -- Given that this is a generic first year Management course we may not find a single open text book replacement. As a B.Com graduate, I can attest that business folk are partial to business models that make money like royalties on textbooks ;-)
 * Approach a philanthropic organisation like the Saylor Foundation to post a bounty for commissioning the development of an open textbook alternative. (I'll will send a request to Saylor to see if there are mechanisms to achieve this with the current round of Saylor's Open Textbook Challenge.

The pedagogical model makes sense - -I've been lucky enough to take a peek at the current course.

My only query is that the assessment model looks a little thin. I'm not sure that a quiz plus case study is sufficient for a course at this level. However, the scope of the case study may be more than adequate for a level 5 course. It would be useful to get more info on what the case study entails.

I'm very excited about this course as a national NZ qualification and the wide international appeal that an Introduction to Management course will have.