Krepitev zmogljivosti za sprejemanje odprtih izobraževalnih virov s strani podiplomskih študentov angleščine in uporabne lingvistike na namibijski univerzi

This study evaluated the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) within the Master of English and Applied Linguistics (MEAL) programme at a Namibian university. It emphasized the necessary capacity development for students to effectively identify and utilize OER tailored to their learning and teaching needs in Namibian schools. By aligning with UNESCO's goals of openness, collaboration, and accessibility to quality education, this research contributes to the broader Open Education (OE) movement, empowering students to embrace diverse learning opportunities. The intervention included knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and reflective practices on real-world applications of OER in the context of English and Applied Linguistics. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study engaged 22 postgraduate students, collecting data through observation, open and closed questionnaires and reflective engagement on the Rise Up Padlet platform. Thematic analysis revealed that OER fosters academic freedom and professional autonomy, allowing students the flexibility to explore topics at their own pace. Participants found that evaluating Repositories for Open Educational Resources (ROER) provides valuable transformative platforms for enriched learning. However, challenges such as content diversity and usability issues were highlighted. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the widespread adoption of OER in education. Ultimately, the study reinforces the value of OER in advancing learning and research in English and Applied Linguistics, enabling students to access high-quality materials and foster collaboration.