Generative AI is changing everything! how we teach, how we learn, and how we share knowledge. But where does that leave Open Educational Practices and the values of access, equity, and collaboration at their core? UTS Open Education Week 2026 puts this question centre stage with a lively, structured debate that is rigorous and entertaining. Come curious. Leave informed!

Debate format

The debate will follow a standard debate structure. We will start with opening positions from each team, then follow with arguments and rebuttals. At the end, each team will summarise their case. Audience will be offered to share their comments at the end of the session.

Teams

We are bringing together participants from Australian universities to debate this topic.

What you will get out of it

A clear overview of the key issues, tensions, and opportunities at the intersection of Generative AI and Open Educational Practices
Evidence-based and experience-driven arguments from across the Australian higher education sector, presented in a dynamic and entertaining debate format
A chance to be part of a broader conversation that positions UTS and the Australian higher education community at the forefront of open education thinking

Presenters

Deakin University Team

Dr Sarah Steen

Dr Sarah Steen, FHEA is Senior Lecturer and Course Director at Deakin Business School. A passionate and innovative educator with over 15 years’ experience, she has developed an OER featuring role-play scenarios grounded in authentic, real-world contexts, providing students with rich opportunities to build critical employability skills. The OER has attracted over 6,000 visitors and has been adopted by Australian and international universities, as well as integrated into a state government training program. It has been featured in podcasts and showcased through Pressbooks and Open Education Global’s Down UndOER webinar series. In 2025, she also received the Deakin University Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education and Employability in recognition of the OER’s impact.

Dr Lauren Halcomb-Smith

Lauren Halcomb-Smith is Lecturer, Open Education, in the Deakin University Library. Her role is focused on research and academic capability building related to Open Educational Resources (OER) and OER-enabled practices at Deakin. Lauren has a PhD in Educational Studies from McGill University and a background in teaching, research, learning design, and leadership in higher education.

University of Southern Queensland Team

Claire Ovaska AALIA (DCP)

Claire Ovaska is the University Copyright Manager for UniSQ and former coordinator of JCU Library’s Textbook Affordability Project (TAP), 2024-2025 and open education program. She believes in the power of academic libraries to expand opportunities for students, researchers and communities. Her work is guided by a strong interest in improving outcomes and wellbeing for underrepresented groups, including individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations communities, migrants, and individuals experiencing disability.

Nikki Andersen

Nikki Andersen is a librarian and open practitioner at the University of Southern Queensland. She has won numerous awards for her work in open education, and diversity, equity and inclusion, including an Open Educational Global Award and the Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT) citation.

Contact the host of The big debate: Is Generative AI fundamentally incompatible with Open Educational Practices? | 20 April

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