We have explored a range of different learning tools to date in the MACAL program. One that resonated with me in particular was the idea of Open-Source Learning and creating a pro-social web space.

I am especially intrigued by the question “can open networks and participatory practices be used to re/build towards digital platforms and policies that centre equity and the public good?” (Stewart, Phipps, Cormier, 2019.)  Stewart et al propose that creating more open, inclusive and equitable spaces on the internet will encourage more voices to be heard, therefore creating what they have coined a ‘pro-social web space’. They argue that every action users take on the internet has a positive or negative effect on the creation of this pro-social web, and that it is the responsibility of regular users of the internet to actively work to create safe, inclusive spaces where all voices can be heard. Open-Source Learning, therefore, although far from the only way to achieve equity online, is a valid and tangible step in the direction of creating more inclusive and equitable web-spaces.  

As Cormier writes, “the internet is fundamentally participatory. The internet grows…on the addition of content.  Every time you are fair to someone you disagree with on the internet, you leave a good connection behind you. You create a participatory node that represents your values. Every time you fact check something before you post it, you’re creating a reliable lesson that can be learned by someone else. Every time you participate, in a conscious, deliberate way, you are putting another stone into the foundation that supports the values you believe in.” (Cormier, 2019.)

I especially agreed with the idea that many of our current policy and decision-maker’s have not had much experience with the participatory web; as such, they may not grasp the importance of building an inclusive digital infrastructure. (Stewart, Phipps, Cormier, 2019.)  We are seeing first-hand the net-positive results of electing a diverse range of officials into office – why should our digital spaces be any different? The importance of amplifying an array of voices in a digital space holds as much weight as amplifying those voices off-screen. By continuing to build access to Open-Source Learning, we provide valuable resources for individuals without traditional access to higher-education, including those who may have a keen interest in participating in policy and decision-making, thus enhancing the range of diverse opinions shared both on and off-line. 

Though we have explored the idea that simply creating an ‘open’ web space does not inherently create an equitable web space, I believe it is of the utmost importance to continue building on Open-Source Learning in order to allow for a broader range of diverse voices to be heard and amplified online. Due to the inherently connective nature of the internet, creating diverse and inclusive spaces online helps to build these same communities off-line; communities which can then mobilize to create real change within governments and our world at large. 

Resources:

Cormier, D. (2019). Who is Going to Help Build a Pro-Social Web? [blog]. http://davecormier.com/edblog/2019/04/06/who-is-going-to-help-build-a-pro-social-web/.

Stewart, B., Phipps, L., Cormier, D. (2019, April). The Participatory Open: Can We Build a Pro-Social / Pro-Societal Web? [Video]. Association for Learning Technology. https://oer19.oerconf.org/sessions/the-participatory-open-can-we-build-a-pro-social-pro-societal-web-o-127/#gref