Abstract
This chapter explores the potential for implementation of OER at the University of The Bahamas (UB). Several questions guide the chapter's review: (1) How are OERs currently utilised in the Caribbean region? (2) What challenges must be overcome in order for UB to address concerns of the Bahamian government, academic faculty/staff, students, and future accreditation standards necessary for development and recognition in the region and internationally as a credentialed institution? (3) What are the benefits for a newly minted university to implement OER within the context of national development? The chapter concludes with recommendations for UB to consider as it transitions to providing a world class education for the citizens of The Bahamas.
TopBackground
Champions of OERs believe that OERs associated with and/or developed by institutions have “the potential to generate indirect revenue by marketing institutions’ reputation and the quality of their materials, which may convince (prospective) students to enroll in fee-paying courses” (Butcher & Hoosen, 2012).
Key Terms in this Chapter
VUSSC: Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth. The Bahamas is a member of VUSSC.
ICT: Information and communications technology.
CKLN: Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network.
Community of Learning: COL is an intergovernmental organization created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage developing and sharing open learning and distance education knowledge, resources, and technologies.
Grass-Roots Activity: Individuals contributing time, knowledge, and resources on a voluntary basis. In this model, production, use, and distribution are decentralized, compared to the institutional model, in which at least production and distribution are centralized.
The Bahamas: Officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, located within the Lucayan Archipelago. Composed of 700 islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays, sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean.
OER: Open Educational Resources.
TEI: Tertiary educational institution.
CARICOM: Caribbean community.
CoL: Community of learning.
NRENs: National research and educational networks.
Family Islands: Referred to by Bahamians in the past as “the Out islands,” these include the Abacos, Acklins and Crooked Islands, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, the Exumas, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, and San Salvador.
SWOT: Strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
IT: Information technology.
Cc: Creative Commons.