STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: PAULINE HUFF
OER GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Today we’re proud to feature student, Pauline Huff, as part of Open Education Week. Pauline is in her first year pursuing a Dual Degree program in Information Studies and Middle Eastern Studies, focusing on libraries and archives. Pauline also spends her time working at UT Libraries as the Open Education Resources Graduate Research Assistant. After graduating, Pauline plans to pursue a career in library science.
Prior to coming to UT Austin, Pauline learned the importance of OER as a K-12 educator in the Rio Grande Valley. Pauline taught AP World History at Harlingen High School using OER Project’s AP World History: Modern course and textbook.
Through her work with OER, Pauline has proven herself a valuable member of the UTL team. She is a staunch advocate of OER and we’re excited to see what she does next.
To learn more about Pauline and her work with OER, read her full interview below.
Do you recall how you first became aware of open educational resources (OER) or the open education movement more broadly?
I first became aware of OER as an educator, not a student. I taught 10th grade AP World History: Modern at a Title I public school in the Rio Grande Valley with very limited financial resources. When I first entered my classroom, I went to see what textbooks my students would learn from and quickly became disappointed when I saw how I was given far too few tattered books that were over 13 years old and not aligned with recent changes to AP curriculum. Given the situation I found myself in, I went to look for an online resource I could use in my classroom. What I found was better than anything I could have ever imagined: OER Project’s College Board approved AP World History: Modern course. Ever since, I have preached the benefits of OER for educators and students alike!
Do you feel OER has had an effect on your students’ academic success? If so, how?
Yes! Using OER allowed my students to learn from anywhere with internet access, provided scaffolded assignments that allowed students increased agency in their work, and, most importantly, provided my students an up-to-date and relevant World History textbook that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Can you tell us about your work as the OER GRA?
As the Open Education Resource Graduate Research Assistant, I work closely with Heather Walter, the OER Librarian, and the OER Planning Committee in the implementation of two major outreach initiatives for students and faculty at UT Austin: the Affordable Education Champions Program and the Open Education Fellowship.
Do you feel OER has impacted your success outside the academic environment? If so, how?
As an educator, utilizing OER in my classroom greatly reduced the financial burden of materials that I frequently would have to purchase with my own money. It also reduced the amount of time outside of contract hours that I needed to prepare lessons, as the OER Projects curriculum already came with great teaching materials. As a student, I benefit from OER by being able to access a wide range of materials at no cost, allowing me to save that money for rent and tuition, which is super nice given the high cost of living in Austin.
What would you like to see for the future of OER and/or open education?
I hope to see an increased commitment to OER from administrations at both the university and K-12 levels, with a focus on integrating these resources into standard curriculum. I also wish to see a future where OER is not only more widely adopted but also continuously updated and expanded, ensuring that learners of all ages have access to high-quality, diverse, and relevant educational materials.
What would you say to faculty who might be reluctant to incorporate OER into their courses?
I would encourage faculty to consider the long-term benefits of OER, such as reducing costs for students while still providing high-quality, customizable resources. OER offers the flexibility to adapt materials to better fit the needs of the course, and many supportive resources are available to help with the transition. It’s a great opportunity to innovate while making education more accessible.
