Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic Motivation

In an era of increasing digital transformation in education, fostering students’ intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning (SDL) is essential, particularly in dynamic fields such as Computer Science Education (CSE). This study explores whether the co-creation of Open Educational Resources (OER...

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Main Authors: Lezeth van der Walt, Chantelle Bosch
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Education Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/7/785
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author Lezeth van der Walt
Chantelle Bosch
author_facet Lezeth van der Walt
Chantelle Bosch
author_sort Lezeth van der Walt
collection DOAJ
description In an era of increasing digital transformation in education, fostering students’ intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning (SDL) is essential, particularly in dynamic fields such as Computer Science Education (CSE). This study explores whether the co-creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs) as renewable assessments can enhance intrinsic motivation and support SDL among postgraduate students. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, social constructivism, and established SDL models, this research adopted a qualitative, phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with BEd Honours students who completed an OER co-creation project as part of their final assessment. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed five core themes: ownership and confidence, personal growth and SDL development, collaboration and connection, motivation and engagement, and challenges and problem solving. The findings suggest that, when students are given autonomy, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, they experience deeper engagement, stronger SDL skills, and a greater sense of academic agency. Informal peer interaction and scaffolded support further enhanced their learning. This study contributes to the growing evidence that open pedagogical practices, particularly renewable assessments, can transform academic culture by positioning students as active participants in knowledge creation and by promoting sustainable, student-centred learning.
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spelling doaj-art-dae4a4a9801c4895a26e0eb89b50df0a2025-08-20T03:58:26ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022025-06-0115778510.3390/educsci15070785Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic MotivationLezeth van der Walt0Chantelle Bosch1Research Unit Self-Directed Learning, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South AfricaResearch Unit Self-Directed Learning, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South AfricaIn an era of increasing digital transformation in education, fostering students’ intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning (SDL) is essential, particularly in dynamic fields such as Computer Science Education (CSE). This study explores whether the co-creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs) as renewable assessments can enhance intrinsic motivation and support SDL among postgraduate students. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, social constructivism, and established SDL models, this research adopted a qualitative, phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with BEd Honours students who completed an OER co-creation project as part of their final assessment. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed five core themes: ownership and confidence, personal growth and SDL development, collaboration and connection, motivation and engagement, and challenges and problem solving. The findings suggest that, when students are given autonomy, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, they experience deeper engagement, stronger SDL skills, and a greater sense of academic agency. Informal peer interaction and scaffolded support further enhanced their learning. This study contributes to the growing evidence that open pedagogical practices, particularly renewable assessments, can transform academic culture by positioning students as active participants in knowledge creation and by promoting sustainable, student-centred learning.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/7/785Open Educational Resources (OERs)renewable assessmentself-directed learning (SDL)intrinsic motivationcomputer science educationopen pedagogy
spellingShingle Lezeth van der Walt
Chantelle Bosch
Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic Motivation
Education Sciences
Open Educational Resources (OERs)
renewable assessment
self-directed learning (SDL)
intrinsic motivation
computer science education
open pedagogy
title Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic Motivation
title_full Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic Motivation
title_fullStr Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic Motivation
title_full_unstemmed Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic Motivation
title_short Co-Creating OERs in Computer Science Education to Foster Intrinsic Motivation
title_sort co creating oers in computer science education to foster intrinsic motivation
topic Open Educational Resources (OERs)
renewable assessment
self-directed learning (SDL)
intrinsic motivation
computer science education
open pedagogy
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/7/785
work_keys_str_mv AT lezethvanderwalt cocreatingoersincomputerscienceeducationtofosterintrinsicmotivation
AT chantellebosch cocreatingoersincomputerscienceeducationtofosterintrinsicmotivation