Dreamweaving Open Educational Practices

The Open University of Sri Lanka
Similarly when using OER as learning aids for lessons the students have the
opportunity to actively participate in the lesson and when new technology is
involved students take a great interest in the lessons.
Challenges/ frustrations
During the period of learning about OER and integrating OER into the teaching-learning
process we had to face many challenges. Among them the following challenges
stand out as major challenges.
In most of our schools, particularly in rural areas, there is a scarcity of computers
and other computer accessories. The generally poor environment of class rooms
was another challenge which caused frustration among us. The large number of
students in secondary classrooms, which was over 40 most of the time, caused
problems in the usage of technology.
There were students who were not accustomed to use computers and therefore
were scared to use them. Then the students who were comfortable with computers
wanted to do activities by themselves individually. This situation also was a
challenge, as a group of students did not actively participate in the lesson. The help
provided by OER to explain difficult concepts was one achievement.
The sharing of knowledge about OER with other teachers and students was
practiced and as a result they also started using OER to collect information for
the teaching –learning process. Especially teachers were motivated to use OER in
conducting lessons. A seminar conducted with the teachers revealed this (see Fig.
8.3.2)
Fig. 8.3.2: Conduct of an OER workshop for student teachers
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