Posted on August 13, 2025August 7, 2025 by cdladminTransforming Education Through Openness: A Personal Journey In this inaugural episode of Open-Ed Mic, the hosts discuss their personal journeys into open education, highlighting the importance of accessibility and affordability in higher education. They share their experiences as students and educators, emphasizing the need for open educational resources to alleviate financial burdens on students. The conversation also touches on the evolving perspectives of faculty regarding open education and the influence of student voices in advocating for change. The episode concludes with reflections on the significance of diverse experiences in shaping the future of open education. https://media.blubrry.com/3954992/https://ucfcdl-wp.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/openEd-mic/openedmic-001.mp3Podcast (opened-mic): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:37 — 32.6MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Deezer | RSS Key Takeaways Brittany emphasizes the importance of access to materials for students. Zach shares his struggles as a first-generation college student. Mike reflects on the engagement challenges he faced as a faculty member. Kevin highlights the shift in faculty perspectives post-2020. The group discusses the impact of student pressure on faculty decisions. Brittany notes the growing interest in academic freedom among faculty. Zach mentions the need for pragmatic discussions about material selection. The hosts agree on the importance of diverse voices in open education. They recognize the challenges and opportunities in higher education today. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on open education.