Evolving Open Education: Access and Credentials

Dr. Casey Wright, an assistant professor of Dentistry at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, and Dr. Royce Kimmons, department chair of Educational Leadership and Foundations at Brigham Young University, joined Open-Ed Mic hosts to explore the emerging field of Open Dental Education.

In this episode of Open-Ed Mic, Ash Barber speaks to the hosts about the role of Creative Commons licensing in expanding access to learning and Indigenous knowledge. She also explores community ownership, regional differences, funding challenges, and the role of AI in education.

Nicole Allen joins Open-Ed Mic to discuss how open education has evolved from a student-led affordability movement into a growing professional field. The conversation explores the role of libraries, institutional leadership, educational policy, and sustainable infrastructure while examining challenges posed by closed educational platforms. Allen also explains why the future of open education depends on broadening its mission beyond affordability to address issues like AI literacy, workforce preparation, and equitable access to knowledge.

Abbey Elder discusses her path into open education, the creation of the OER Starter Kit, and strategies for building sustainable open education programs. The conversation explores faculty support, the intersection of open education and open access, the evolving role of librarians, and how artificial intelligence may shape the future of OER. An insightful episode for educators, librarians, and open education advocates.

Dr. Rajiv Jhangiani joins the Open-Ed Mic hosts to discuss the future of open education through the lenses of equity, ethics, and innovation. From his personal journey into the open movement to conversations about AI, open licensing, community ownership, and global perspectives, Rajiv explores how educators can remain grounded in shared values while embracing change.

The hosts of Open-Ed Mic sat down with Dr. Lisa Young to discuss how her work in open education evolved from textbook affordability into a broader movement centered on equity, collaboration and student success. The episode explores the growth of OpenMaricopa, the role of community colleges in advancing access and the future of open education through artificial intelligence, microcredentials and workforce partnerships.

In this episode of Open-Ed Mic, the hosts chat with Dr. Virginia Clinton-Lisell, an associate professor at the University of North Dakota, who shares her research behind open educational resources, digital learning and student motivation. She discusses learning outcomes, open pedagogy, accessibility concerns and how faculty can make evidence-based decisions about course materials.

In this episode of OpenEd Mic, the hosts chat with Daniel Williamson of OpenStax to explore the evolving future of textbooks and open education. He reflects on his journey into OER and discusses how shifts in student behavior, AI, and emerging technologies are transforming learning materials. The conversation highlights a move toward modular, personalized content and the need for sustainable, community-driven models. Williamson emphasizes engagement, trust, and collaboration as essential to ensuring open resources remain relevant, equitable, and impactful in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

In this episode of Open-Ed Mic, the hosts speak with Andrew McKinney (CUNY) about open education, tenure promotion, and the challenges faced by faculty in higher education. McKinney shares insights from the DOERS community’s work documenting how faculty across institutions are integrating OER and open pedagogy into tenure portfolios. The conversation explores the cultural and structural barriers faculty face, the importance of grassroots departmental change, and the broader potential of open education to transform teaching and empower students as knowledge creators. The episode also reflects on emerging trends like AI and the long-term role of teaching in the mission of public higher education.

In this episode of OpenEd Mic, the hosts welcome Dr. David Wiley, a pioneer in open education, discussing the intersection of open education and generative AI. They explore Wiley's journey into the open education movement, the significance of the Five Rs (Retain, Reuse, Revise, Remix, Redistribute), and how these principles apply to generative AI. The conversation delves into the evolving role of faculty, the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences, and the importance of building relationships with students. Wiley emphasizes the need for optimism in the face of technological advancements and the creative potential of educators and learners alike.