The Open Education Association Development Project is excited to share our latest updates. This initiative is working collaboratively to strengthen the open education field in the United States by identifying shared needs, filling critical gaps, and supporting greater collective impact. In our first two months, we’ve focused on listening to the open education community by circulating our national needs assessment survey. The survey drew more than 1,000 responses from across all 50 states, and we’ve held conversations with over 20 organizations (and counting) to explore opportunities for collaboration. Thank you to everyone who has participated! Later this month, our Steering Committee will meet to shape the project’s next steps based on what we’ve learned so far.

The Steering Committee recognizes this project is beginning amid rapid change in U.S. education that has profound implications for educators, institutions, and learners—in ways that are both professional and personal. As the project moves forward, we are reflecting on how a coordinated national effort can support members of the open education field in navigating these changes with clarity and strength. Open education must not only continue, but lead: eliminating cost as a barrier, preserving access to knowledge, and expanding practices centered on the success of all students.

Have thoughts or ideas? Share them through our suggestion box!

What did we do in our first two months?

Held a kickoff webinar on March 10th
Launched a national needs assessment survey that drew more than 1,000 responses across all 50 states (thank you!)
Met with more than 20 organizations to discuss collaboration (Interested? Let us know!)
Released our first resources, including an open education conference list and an email template to promote the benefits of OER

What are we working on now?

Analyzing the needs assessment survey results and applying insights
Mapping the open education field in order to highlight existing resources and identify gaps
Holding our first in-person steering committee meeting to shape our activities based on what we’ve learned from the field