“Developing Open Educational Resources: A Paper Recognised for Excellence”

The development of open educational resources has garnered notable acclaim through the Best Research Paper Award presented by the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Design and Technology Special Interest Group (SIG). Co-authored by Ela Castellanos-Reyes, an assistant professor of learning, design, and technology in the NC State College of Education, the paper details the creation of a digital repository for online teaching using design-based research.

Castellanos-Reyes expressed her enthusiasm for the recognition, underscoring the project’s impact on her understanding of educational research. The project, which brought her to the USA, provided an opportunity to explore the potential of educational research.

Entitled “The Process of Developing a Digital Repository for Online Teaching Using Design-Based Research,” the paper focuses on the design-based research approach to addressing the challenges faced by online instructors from a human performance technology perspective.

An notable aspect of the paper is its emphasis on the needs of faculty and online instructors as professionals, highlighting the importance of meeting their requirements. It offers a comprehensive overview of the seven steps used in developing the Purdue Repository for Online Teaching and Learning (PoRTAL), demonstrating a pragmatic approach to addressing the evolving needs of the academic community and stakeholders.

The research also illustrates the integration of design and technology by showcasing how cost-effective technologies can be effectively employed. Castellanos-Reyes highlighted the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the approach, emphasizing the practicality of the tools used.

Since its inception, PoRTAL has had a global impact, reaching over a dozen countries. Castellanos-Reyes and the project team are currently working on a second publication to examine the global utilization of PoRTAL’s resources, focusing on accessibility and cultural appropriateness.

The real-world applications of the project have played a critical role in providing timely resources to faculty and graduate teaching assistants worldwide. Castellanos-Reyes emphasized the accessibility of PoRTAL’s resources, which are designed to provide just-in-time support to educators, recognizing the practical challenges encountered in educational settings.

In conclusion, the recognition of the paper underscores the importance of open educational resources in addressing the evolving needs of online instructors. The impact of the project extends beyond national borders, underscoring its relevance in diverse educational contexts. Castellanos-Reyes’ work has unquestionably made a significant contribution to the field of educational research and technology, offering valuable insights for educators globally.