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Unleashing the Power of Emerging Technologies in Education: UNESCO’s Vision for Open Educational Resources (OER)

In an era where technological advancement is reshaping the landscape of education, the convergence of emerging technologies and OER presents unprecedented advancing global education. This was the focal point of the discussion at the UNESCO OER Dynamic Coalition Webinar organized during ‘Open Week’ 2024 with experts explored synergies, challenges and future prospects in the area of AI, Blockchain and OER.

30 April 2024

Last update:3 May 2024

Navigating synergies of Emerging Technologies and OER

The integration of AI with OER offers transformative possibilities for education. A holistic approach, blending AI, Blockchain and pedagogical expertise will be key to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation in education.

In today's educational landscape, the question is not whether to embrace Blockchain or AI, but rather, how to effectively utilize these technologies to advance our educational objectives.

Anthony Fischer CamilleriSenior Partner and Project Manager, Knowledge Innovation Center, Slovenia

Navigating challenges, seizing opportunities

As Aras Bozkurt, Associate Professor of Distance Education, Anadolu University, Turkey, highlighted, AI holds unprecedented promise for making education more engaging and accessible. However, concerns have been raised about the role of generative AI in co-authorship and its impact on academic integrity.

Meanwhile, Perrine De Coëtlogon shed light on Blockchain's revolutionary role in digitizing academic credentials.

Despite the promises, challenges including decentralization and scalability remain as significant hurdles in establishing a traceable ecosystem for OER, as noted by A. Camilleri from the Knowledge Innovation Center in Slovenia.

Blockchain offers an infrastructure of digital academic credentials that can support the education systems of the future, ensuring transparency, security, and accessibility for all.

P. De CoëtlogonPolicy Officer and Project Manager, Teaching Innovation Department, Lille University

Best Practices: Lifelong Learning and Traceable OER

Amidst the digital revolution in education, standout initiatives are shaping the future. The Horizon 2020 Qualichain project, led by The Open University in Milton Keynes, pioneers lifelong learning through Blockchain technology, ensuring transparent accreditation and personalized recommendations. Similarly, over 56,000 blockchain digital credentials were issued to graduates by the University of Lille by 2023. The credentials have been verified 132,000 times from over 140 countries across all 5 continents.

Furthermore, a French General Directorate for Enterprises (DGE) Roadmap included in the report, "The technological barriers to Blockchains" integrates Blockchain to revolutionize student credentialing, promoting accessibility and recognition of experiential learning. Integrating Blockchain technology could provide OER with a robust tracking system, enhancing its credibility and usability.

Validation of formal and informal qualifications, data ownership, and privacy are among the pivotal considerations as we navigate the landscape of lifelong learning.

Alexander MikroyannidisSenior Research Fellow and Associate Professor, Knowledge Media Institute, Open University UK

Towards a Collaborative Future

The UNESCO study on Blockchain for OER to be released in mid-2024 outlines the growing momentum towards integrating emerging technologies into education.

As we navigate the intersection of emerging technologies and OER, it becomes increasingly evident that rallying the global OER community is crucial to ensuring the effective implementation of technologies that support inclusive knowledge sharing and creation of quality content.