Education 2030
Various authors, UNESCO, 2015/11/25

It has taken a couple of weeks to get to this item, for which I apologize, but UNESCO has released the 'Incheon Declaration' and framework for action toward inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning for all (yes, all of that is in the title). 52 page PDF. "We reaffirm," write the authors, "that education is a public good, a fundamental human right and a basis for guaranteeing the realization of other rights. It is essential for peace, tolerance, human fulfilment and sustainable development." It's a comprehensive plan, includes language for inclusion, quality, contributions from civil society, open learning resources, the role of government, funding, and more. I'm basically in agreement with its recommendations (though not so sanguine as the authors about the role of the private sector). See also the Open Education Consortium's blog post which also supports the declaration. Image: Kenya Delegation.

[Link] [Comment]

Foundations for OER Strategy Development
Nicole Allen, Delia Browne, Mary Lou Forward, Cable Green, Alek Tarkowski, 2015/11/25

I participated in a couple of the conferences where this document was discussed and thoroughly harangued the drafting committee through several online versions, and while they've blended seamlessly with the rest of the document I can see the evidence that the perspectives I advanced were listened to and respected. This makes me happy. Not just because I like to be listened to and respected (though I do, who doesn't?) but because it resulted in a stronger and much more inclusive document. And because it is so inclusive, and respectful of diverse perspectives and approaches to open educational resources, while at the same time underlining the value the community as a whole sees in OERs, I think it's a particularly strong work, and one I have no difficulty endorsing. Image: Pierre-Yves Cavellat via Wordnik.

[Link] [Comment]