OEG Voices 088: Board Viewpoints with Robert Lawson

Описание: Listen in for another episode in our series that introduces you to representatives from the OEGlobal Board of Directors (https://podcast.oeglobal.org/shows/bo...) for the opportunity to hear the voice of one of our newer board members, Robert Lawson (http://Robert Lawson) , from NorQuest College (https://norquest.ca/) .






You will hear Robert describe the value of open education at this Canadian community college in Edmonton, plus how he and NorQuest College became much involved with OEGlobal as the host of the 2023 OEGlobal Conference (https://conference.oeglobal.org/2023/) . The focus of NorQuest on meeting the needs of its students and incorporating Indigenous ways into its strategy was also evident in the conference vision of Two-Eyed Seeing and Braiding (https://conference.oeglobal.org/2023/...) .






In this recording from June 19, 2025, Robert shared much more insight into the opportunities for open education and its significant developments at NorQuest College as well as his larger perspective on current issues globally that guide his role as an OEGlobal board member.




In the OEGlobal Voices podcast studio with guest Robert Lawson from NorQuest College (left) and host Alan Levine from OEGlobal (right).





As we were at the time in the open nomination period for the 2025 Open Education Awards for Excellence (https://awards.oeglobal.org/) , we asked Robert to provide a compelling reason to submit a nomination. While since the recording the award winners have already been nominated, (https://awards.oeglobal.org/revealing...) Robert’s message is a good reminder to be thinking ahead to 2026!







Try to find something original, [do] not to be concerned about what others are doing, go ahead and try, make an effort. You never know, it could inspire people somewhere else. I know from some of the textbooks that we’ve published in Settlement Studies, or Medical Office Terminology — it’s always interesting to see the reaction of people in other provinces who say, “Wow, this is great! We can really use this, there’s not a Settlement Textbook in Canada. This is beautiful. This is like the first of its kind, we need to adopt this.”






The authors who’ve created these textbooks are pretty shocked when they see the analytics,– many people have adopted them and where they’ve adopted them.






Put your stuff out there for people to see, be open!

Robert Lawson on nominating for the Open Education Awards for Excellence








Episode 88 Transcript (https://podcast.oeglobal.org/wp-conte...) Download (https://podcast.oeglobal.org/wp-conte...)








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In This Episode






FYI: For the sake of experimentation and the spirit of transparency, this set of show notes alone was generated by the AI “Underlord (https://www.descript.com/underlord) ” in the Descript editor (https://www.descript.com/) we use to produce OEGlobal Voices.






Inclusive Education and Two-Eyed Seeing: A Conversation with Robert Lawson






In this episode of the OEG Voices Podcast, we talk to Robert Lawson from NorQuest College in Edmonton. Robert shares insights into the college’s focus on integrating Indigenous perspectives through the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing and their dedication to open education. He discusses NorQuest’s initiatives in sustainability, textbook publishing, and the significant impact of their inclusive approach on students and faculty. Robert also reflects on his journey into open education, his role on the OEGlobal Board of Directors, and his experiences hosting and attending the OEGlobal Conference. Additionally, Robert highlights an exciting project on documenting the settlement experiences of first-generation Canadian immigrants. Join us as we explore the innovative and inclusive vision at NorQuest College.







• 00:00 Intro Music and Opening Highlight Quote





• 01:20 Welcome to OEG Voices Podcast with Robert Lawson





• 03:30 Robert Lawson’s Journey in Open Education





• 07:36 NorQuest College’s Vision and Strategic Plan





• 10:21 Reflections on Hosting OEGlobal Conference





• 13:50 Current Projects and Future Directions





• 18:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Open Education





• 22:32 Joining the OEGlobal Board





• 27:05 Encouraging Nominations for Open Education Awards





• 30:40 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks







(end of AI generated show notes)




Additional Links and Quotes for Episode 88







One of the greatest things that came out of [hosting OEGlobal 2023] was the co-governance model between...