Transforming Education Through Openness: A Personal Journey

.logo-img { filter: grayscale(100%) opacity(50%); max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .profile-card { max-width: 350px; border-radius: 20px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); } .profile-img { width: 120px; height: 120px; object-fit: cover; border: 4px solid #fff; box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); } .social-icons a { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 40px; height: 40px; border-radius: 50%; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #6c757d; text-decoration: none; margin: 0 5px; transition: all 0.3s ease; } .social-icons a:hover { background-color: #007bff; color: #fff; } In this inaugural episode of Open-Ed Mic, the hosts discuss their personal journeys into open education, highlighting the importance of accessibility and affordability in higher education. They share their experiences as students and educators, emphasizing the need for open educational resources to alleviate financial burdens on students. The conversation also touches on the evolving perspectives of faculty regarding open education and the influence of student voices in advocating for change. The episode concludes with reflections on the significance of diverse experiences in shaping the future of open education. Key Takeaways Brittany emphasizes the importance of&#160;access to materials&#160;for students. Zach shares his struggles as a first-generation college student. Mike reflects on the engagement challenges he faced as a faculty member. Kevin highlights the shift in faculty perspectives post-2020. The group discusses the impact of student pressure on faculty decisions. Brittany notes the growing interest in academic freedom among faculty. Zach mentions the need for pragmatic discussions about material selection. The hosts agree on the importance of diverse voices in open education. They recognize the challenges and opportunities in higher education today. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on open education. About Open-Ed Mic Explore our Open-Ed Mic podcast for practical guidance and inspiring stories about open education. Discover how to incorporate OER materials into your course while connecting with a community dedicated to transforming teaching and learning through openness. Meet Your Hosts Your hosts—Kevin Corcoran, Zach Claybaugh, Brittany Dudek, and Dr. Michael A. Mills—bring decades of combined expertise as prominent thought leaders in open educational resources (OER) within higher education. With extensive backgrounds spanning digital learning, library science, student success initiatives, and strategic leadership at state and national levels, they have collectively shaped policies, driven impactful initiatives, and advocated passionately for increased access to education. Their collaborative approach highlights their deep commitment to advancing open education practices, ensuring quality, affordability, and accessibility for learners everywhere. <img decoding="async" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TabLockup_horizontal_KGrgb_300ppi.png" width="200px" alt="Logo 1" class="img-fluid logo-img"> <img decoding="async" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dominican-University-logo.png" width="200px" alt="Logo 2" class="img-fluid logo-img"> <img decoding="async" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PRIMARY-HORIZONTAL-LOGO-BLACK.png" width="200px" alt="Logo 3" class="img-fluid logo-img"> <img decoding="async" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MClogo_left_aligned_black_RGB_no_background.png" width="200px" alt="Logo 4" class="img-fluid logo-img">