Open Praxis (Aug 2024)
Understanding Formal Localization of OER: Remixing United Nations Human Rights Resources in Ghana
Abstract
This article explores the formal localization of Open Educational Resources (OER) in Ghana, focusing on the remixing of human rights courses for youth and young adults. While working with an NGO that focuses on providing educational resources to low-bandwidth areas, partner teachers in Ghana remixed openly-licensed human rights content provided by the Geneva Office for Human Rights Education (GO-HRE) for local delivery. Localization is crucial to ensure relevance and accessibility of educational materials to diverse learners. By adapting materials through localization, educators can address cultural and contextual mismatches, thereby enhancing comprehension and learning outcomes for a wider range of students. This process acknowledges and respects the diversity of learners and promotes inclusivity in education. This study examines the challenges faced by teachers in formal localization and identifies principles that guide effective localization practices. The research methodology involved qualitative interviews with facilitators who taught a human rights course using OER. The results revealed two main challenges of formal localization: conceptual newness and burdensome effort. Participants lacked awareness of the concept of remixing and open licensing, and they faced challenges related to the demanding nature of the localization process. However, two key principles for effective formal localization emerged: focusing on method and leveraging teacher knowledge. Teachers sought to localize the delivery and method of instruction rather than the subject matter, and they leveraged their own knowledge of students and pedagogical practice to adapt the content. Results highlight the assumptions, implications, and recommendations for OER designers and researchers. Designers should consider the cultural and contextual differences between global and local contexts and collaborate with local teachers to facilitate effective formal localization. Informal localization, driven by social relationships and practical choices, is also recognized as a significant aspect of OER adaptation.
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