AI’s Role in Revolutionizing Open Educational Resources (OER)
Overview
Garnet Valley School District in PA established a deep commitment to open education when it first joined the #GoOpen Network over eight years ago to advance an OER initiative. Still on an innovative journey to transform teaching and learning, the district’s Director of Technology and Online Learning and Founder and Executive Director of nonprofit Edvative Learning, Sam Mormando is actively exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology and reflecting on ways it may be advantageous for education, and specifically, for OER.
Introduction
Introduction
The pressure on educators to provide diverse, up-to-date, and engaging learning materials is immense. This isn’t new for teachers and one of the main reasons why my district joined the #GoOpen movement many years ago. But, creating and updating OER has been time and resource-intensive. But no more, thanks to artificial intelligence(AI).
AI’s capability to generate educational content is nothing short of revolutionary. AI systems can already create textbooks, lessons, and activities tailored to specific curriculum guidelines and learning objectives. This new technology has significantly expanded the availability of OER, and has provided teachers and students with unprecedented access to customized learning materials.
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About
Dr. Samuel Mormando is the founder of the award-winning education non-profit, Edvative Learning, and serves as the Director of Technology, Innovation, and Online Learning for the Garnet Valley School District in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. With a doctorate in educational leadership from Widener University, Dr. Mormando has been a key figure in driving Garnet Valley to national recognition for its innovative teaching practices. These include the adoption of open education resources and the development of a student-centered course design process, catering to various learning preferences: traditional, online, or blended.
Under his stewardship, Edvative Learning has achieved significant milestones, notably receiving the Best in Educational Coaching award from Exemplar Schools in 2023. This honor reflects the organization's dedication to empowering classroom teachers in personalizing education. Additionally, Dr. Mormando's pioneering efforts in distance learning earned him the 2020 K–12 Innovation Award from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).
Besides his leadership roles, Dr. Mormando is also an accomplished author. His book, "Effectively Designed Instruction," achieved notable success as the #1 new book release on Amazon books. This publication underscores his expertise in educational strategies and his commitment to sharing his knowledge and insights with a broader audience.
Through his innovative leadership, dedication to educational coaching, and contributions as an author, Dr. Mormando continues to influence the landscape of modern education, shaping effective teaching methodologies and enhancing student learning experiences.