Interview: OER and Localisation – Professor Lynne Bowker

In this interview, Professor Bowker emphasises the importance of localisation in OER, noting that adapting language and cultural references increases student engagement. She highlights AI-driven automatic translation as a promising tool for localisation but stresses that human intervention is necessary for cultural adaptation, accuracy, and relevance. Collaboration among faculty, language experts, and students is key to effective localisation, ensuring both linguistic and contextual appropriateness. She recommends using technology alongside human expertise, piloting OER with students for feedback, and fostering interdisciplinary teamwork to enhance the accessibility and impact of localised educational materials.