OpenContinuums

Open Continuums FAQs
What is the purpose of the Open Continuums project?

This purpose of this project is to investigate the feasibility of producing a core curriculum offering that is open-licensed. (These type of resources are known as OERs.)

Initially, we are looking at a middle school math curriculum that would be distributed both in print and electronically.

With current economic conditions schools face and the need for more effective and flexible materials that can be used to differentiate instruction, it seems to us that the time is right for a product like this. What is OER?

Open educational resources (OER) include materials, tools, and media used for teaching and learning that are free from traditional copyright restrictions or are publicly licensed for anyone to use, adapt, and redistribute. (ccLearn, 2009)

More simply put, OERs are open resources that can be remixed, modified, and redistributed by anyone.

How is this different from other instructional resources?

The core student resources in this program will be available for free online. More importantly, though, these materials will be able to be legally remixed and used in any way teachers choose, enabling them to adapt the materials in order to meet district goals and to engage students. They will be available in a wide variety of formats from print to electronic and will be able to be shaped to each district’s essential skills, scope and sequence, and pacing.

Why would schools be interested in this?

In addition to being free, OERs, like Open Continuums, give teachers and learners the ability to remix and customize content, which is an important part of differentiating instruction.

These resources will be of the highest quality, research-based, written by content experts, and reviewed and vetted by exemplary classroom teachers. Where appropriate, these resources will also be submitted for state adoption.

We believe that flexibility and support services are also key parts of an effective curriculum offering. Open Continuums gives schools choices in terms of format (print through electronic), sequence (separate building blocks of content through pre-configured, customized sequencing), components (student materials only through an integrated package with formative assessment and on-site coaching), and customization (do-it-yourself through contracting with curriculum experts).

What are the next steps?

We are currently talking to schools nationwide to find out what they would like to see in a program like this. It is essential that teachers’ and administrators’ voices and needs help shape this.

We are also exploring possible collaborations with content experts, publishers, technology organizations, and others.

'''How do you make money on this? Is it “sustainable”?'''

The initial funding for this project is anticipated to come from a combination of venture philanthropy and grants.

Beyond that, we are working on a sustainable financial model that will support the core free content assets with fee-based services, such as customization of curriculum resources and scope and sequences, additional tools and resources, formative assessment, on-site coaching and mentoring, and more.

Who is working on this project?

This initial project has received generous funding from the Hewlett Foundation. The plan is being written by Karen Fasimpaur of K12 Open Ed in collaboration with many others.

How can I find out more or get involved?

You can contact Karen Fasimpaur at karen at k12opened dot com.