OER25 will feature two compelling keynote sessions and an interactive plenary session, offering sharp critique, hopeful vision, and community-driven action for the future of open education. Explore the programme here.
Helen Beetham’s keynote, “When speaking truth is not enough: repurpose, rebuild, refuse”, explores the deep links between the AI industry and the politics of populism. Helen argues that rather than finding common ground between AI and open education, we must see AI as the opposite or sinister double of the open movement. She describes three key responses: repurpose, rebuild, and refuse, while calling for a critical reflection on the open movement’s own history and vulnerabilities in the age of AI. “We need to put our ‘open’ house in order to meet the present moment.” Helen’s session promises to be essential for anyone committed to openness, equity, and thoughtful engagement with technology in education.
On Day 2, Joe Wilson’s keynote, “Shaping Open Education”, will highlight his deep commitment to social justice, decades of sector experience, and trademark Glaswegian optimism. Joe will tackle pressing challenges like closing the attainment gap, driving social mobility, and using AI ethically while keeping open education at the heart of change. He will emphasise the essential role of teaching staff as agents of change and reflect on the growing concerns around openness in an increasingly closed institutional and commercial landscape. “The concern that AI could eat our content is simply the latest barrier to supporting open practice.” Despite challenges, Joe remains a “hopeless but hard-nosed optimist” and will present an inspiring vision for collaboration, co-creation, and the future of open education. Joe’s keynote will offer both a candid look at current challenges and an inspiring call to action for the open education community.
Both sessions promise essential insights and a call to action for the open education community.
The final plenary session for OER25 is an opportunity to hear the voices of the conference. This open mic session invites delegates to take the mic to share their provocations, thoughts, questions and ideas, from what they have seen and heard throughout the conference. It is hoped that the discussions can form the basis of a community driven call to action around open education and open education practice for the ALT community and beyond.
Join us at OER25 and be part of shaping the future of open education. Register now to connect, collaborate, and drive change alongside a passionate community of educators and advocates.