Harnessing OERS for Professional Development Programmes: The Case of TESSA Materials Use in the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education of the Open University of Tanzania

Abstract

The potential of Open Education Resources (OERs) especially in widening access to education is increasingly being acknowledged and more types and forms of OERs are being developed; meanwhile, discussions on challenges and new ways of improving the development and use of OERs are ongoing. This paper attempts to add to the literature on the dynamics of harnessing OERs for professional development programmes. The paper is anchored on the lessons learned in the process of integration and use of Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (TESSA) materials in the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) programme of the Open University of Tanzania (OUT); as well as the evaluation of the use of TESSA materials by DPTE students that have recently been undertaken. The paper discusses the dynamics of integrating OERs including the mindset on OERs (buying in), capacity building and resources. It also analyses the challenges and innovative ways of improving access to OERs in terms of physical reach, understanding, adaptation/adoption and application. Finally, the paper suggests areas that need further research and urges for collaborative research and networks of researchers on the issues of OERs to enhance its contributions to the development of education in Africa.