ERIC Number: EJ1285282
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1347-9008
EISSN: N/A
Framing the Role of English in OER from a Social Justice Perspective: A Critical Lens on the (Dis)empowerment of Non-English Speaking Communities
Asian Journal of Distance Education, v15 n2 p175-190 2020
Open Educational Resources (OER) have received considerable attention for their potential to provide equitable access to education for all. However, OER creation, use, and adoption among learners, practitioners, and educational circles have remained low. One significant factor leading to this low engagement arises from the language of instruction employed in OER, notably English. Drawing on Hodgkinson-Williams and Trotter's (2018) conceptual framework, this study examines the role of English in knowledge dissemination through OER and discusses three language-related concerns from a social justice perspective: (1) linguistic complexity in OER, (2) translation as a method of OER adaptation, and (3) lack of OER development in local languages. The paper concludes with several recommendations for practice, pedagogy, and policy in OER development.
Descriptors: Open Educational Resources, Open Education, Social Justice, English (Second Language), Limited English Speaking, Language of Instruction, Language Role, Cultural Influences, Inclusion, Access to Education, Educationally Disadvantaged, Empowerment, Difficulty Level, Barriers, Translation, Native Language, Developing Nations, Material Development, Adoption (Ideas)
Asian Society of Open and Distance Education. 80-4 Minou Yamamoto Machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka, 839-0826, Japan. e-mail: editor@asianjde.org; Web site: http://asianjde.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A