Conestoga news

September 20, 2024 10:55 AM

Champion of open educational resources at Conestoga wins international award

Conestoga’s Kimberlee Carter was recognized for her “excellent efforts” in advancing open education at the college with a 2024 Open Education Award for Excellence.

Kimberlee Carter
Kimberlee Carter won a 2024 Open Education Award for Excellence for her work to advance open education.

Carter, open educational resource (OER) consultant, was shortlisted for the Catalyst Award in the annual awards hosted by Open Education Global - a global, members-based, non-profit organization supporting the development and use of open education around the world.

Carter won the Catalyst Award, presented to an individual actively promoting the creation and implementation of OER and open practices, along with Melody Chin from Singapore.

Conestoga was shortlisted for another four awards: two faculty from the School of Business for the Educator Award, and two Conestoga-produced resources. Open educational resources are teaching, learning and research resources that the creator allows others to use, modify and share.

Carter said she’s encouraged in her work by enthusiasm for open education at Conestoga.

“There is so much good work happening in open education, and it is truly an honour to be recognized by the open education community and to share this win with the inspiring Melody Chin from Singapore. The Conestoga community continues to inspire me through their support and implementation of open educational practices, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish next.”

The award page highlights Carter’s many successes. Under her direction, the open learning team is establishing an OER publication process to ensure high-quality publications; supporting faculty through resource searches, one-on-one consultations and editorial and production assistance; supporting faculty with funding applications; creating connections between teams; facilitating work-study and co-op students to complete a student engagement project each term; and developing a six-course micro-credential for the college’s post-secondary teaching certificate.

Carter is a great example of leadership who is greatly motivated by her collaborators, an award reviewer said.

“Kimberlee deserves to be recognised for her excellent efforts in effectively leading her team, putting together the right people for the task, taking care of them, recognising explicitly their achievements and trusting them with all the tasks that require skills she does not possess.”