Open in Prison Spaces: Exploring the Potential of Open Educational Resources in Higher Education in Prison

Webinar hosted by MHEC and New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE)

Open educational resources (OER) have the potential to reduce costs, expand access to learning materials, and support educational continuity for incarcerated students. But how are OER currently being used in prison education programs, and what challenges shape their adoption?

Join MHEC and NEBHE for a webinar exploring findings from a new Ithaka S+R report, Open in Prison Spaces: The Potential and Limitations of Open Educational Resources and Practices in Higher Education in Prison.

Commissioned by MHEC and NEBHE, the study draws on interviews and conversations with stakeholders across the Midwest and New England to explore how OER are being used in higher education in prison, identify promising practices, and highlight opportunities to expand access to affordable, adaptable learning materials for incarcerated students.

Report authors Ess Pokornowski and Sindy Lopez will share key findings, highlight opportunities for collaboration between open education and prison education practitioners, and discuss practical considerations for institutions interested in expanding access to OER in prison settings.

This webinar is intended for open education practitioners, faculty, librarians, prison education program leaders, higher education administrators, and others interested in expanding educational access and opportunity for incarcerated learners.

Presenters
Ess Pokornowski, Program Manager, Ithaka S+R
Sindy Lopez, Senior Analyst, Ithaka S+R