Forthcoming conference paper

Team 3 have had a paper accepted at the SRHE (Society for Research into Higher Education) Conference in December 2012. Here is the title and a short abstract of the paper:

Challenging the commoditisation of knowledge: Taking possession of the industrialisation of the HE landscape: Student as Producer and the use of Open Educational Resources.

Short abstract

This paper discusses the dynamic and competitive landscape of current HE provision in theUK. Featuring a case study on the use of Open Educational Resources (OER’s) to enhance student employability, funded as part of a larger HEA project on OER’s, the paper discusses contradictions and problems within the current political rhetoric around the delivery and purpose of HE. Using Bauman (2007) to critique the apparent commoditisation of knowledge, and the potential industrialisation of HE, the authors identify contradictions within the political rhetoric and policy making agenda. Discussing ways in which it might be possible to engage with and take some possession of this changing landscape, the concept of Student as Producer and the use of OER’s are considered. Ultimately the paper poses reflections about the value of the sharing of knowledge, the purpose of university and the development of student as producers of themselves as enterprising citizens.