Blogs by Ontario Tech Open Voices

• Student Voices Shaping the Future of Learning

  Inside the OE Lab: Student Voices Shaping the Future of Learning

  Author(s): Aalina Shahid, Abdurehman Ahmad, Abinav Binukumar, Maha Siddiqi, Melissa Richards
  Editor: Pranjal Saloni  

  Welcome to the Open Education (OE) Lab at Ontario Tech—a space where students aren’t just learning about education, but actively reshaping it. From building practical tech guides and co-creating open textbooks, to organizing events that spark conversations around accessibility and affordability, the Lab is powered by a team of passionate students driven by one goal: making education better for everyone.

  In this post, we’re stepping back and letting the students take the mic to share what being part of the Lab means to them.

  Melissa: From Learner to Leader

  For Melissa, joining the Lab about a year ago opened the door to an incredible experience of collaboration and creativity. Working alongside a passionate team of students and faculty, she’s contributed to projects like open textbooks and student guides that aim to support learners in meaningful, practical ways.

  One moment that stands out for her was using a textbook created right in the Lab in one of her courses. It not only saved her hundreds of dollars but also made learning more effective.

  “That experience solidified my belief in the power of open education to break down barriers and promote equity. It’s what keeps me motivated to keep pushing for accessible and student-centered learning.”

  Aalina: A Butterfly Effect in the Atrium

  Aalina’s journey into open education began with what seemed like a small moment: finishing a lecture in her first year and stumbling upon a booth in the UB atrium. That booth, as it turned out, belonged to the Open Education team—and she was the very first student to approach it that day.

  That one encounter introduced her to the world of Open Educational Resources (OER)—and looking back, it feels like a butterfly effect moment that quietly set a whole journey in motion.

  Fast forward to her fourth year in Medical Laboratory Science, and Aalina has been a key part of the team since summer 2023. What first drew her in was the frustration of paying for expensive textbooks that didn’t seem worth the price, and what kept her there was the chance to help students by encouraging the use of openly licensed and freely available materials.

  “It’s moments like these that remind me how grateful I am to be part of a team that turns small ideas into real impact.”

  Abi: Creativity, Change and a Team that Feels like Family 

  For Abi (short for Abdurehman), the journey into the Lab began in May 2024, after learning about the University Works program, just in time to apply for roles that spoke to him. He landed in the OE Lab as an OER content developer and quickly found a place that let his creativity shine.

  His role spans everything from building open resources and managing the team’s social media to decorating booths for campus events and putting together giveaway baskets.

  “I’ve always had an interest in education, and I see this work as a foundation for the future. Whether it’s creating promotional posts and campaigns, planning activities for the OE week, or developing open textbooks, my favorite part is making a change, while doing it with a team that feels like family.”

  Maha: Full Circle with Open Education 

  Maha’s story with OERs began when she experienced it firsthand as a student. During a Human Physiology course, she discovered she didn’t have to buy a $200 textbook and instead had access to a thoughtfully designed OER.

  At first, she didn’t know much about Open Education, but as she engaged with open resources, she realized just how valuable it was. That moment sparked a deeper interest with a passion to make high-quality learning accessible to all.

  Now in her fourth year of Biomedical Science and a member of the Lab since May 2024, Maha finds herself helping to create the very kinds of resources that once supported her. From gaining technical skills with H5P and Pressbooks to designing content with accessibility in mind, she’s grown in ways she didn’t expect.

  “For me, the most rewarding part is knowing that every resource the Lab creates is designed with students in mind—just like the one that once helped me.”

  Abinav: Engineering for Change

  For Abinav, a fourth-year Software Engineering student, joining the Lab at the start of 2025 has been an exciting way to bring his technical skills into a student-focused space.

  With a passion for hands-on creative work such as programming and building Gundam model kits, he’s always looking for ways to solve problems and improve systems. And that’s exactly what drew him to Open Education.

  “I want to use my background in engineering to contribute to tools that make learning more affordable and inclusive. It’s just the beginning, but I’m excited to grow and give back.”

  More Than a Lab - A Shared Mission 

  “Though we come from different disciplines—ranging from biomedical and lab science to human resources and engineering—we’re united by a shared belief: Open and Inclusive Education. For us, the Lab is more than just a workplace; it’s a space where our ideas are heard, our skills are challenged, and our work has real impact.

  We hope our stories give you a glimpse into the heart of the Open Education Lab. Whether you’re a fellow student, an educator, or just someone who cares about making learning better, we invite you to join us.

  Because when students are part of the change, education becomes more than just a classroom—it becomes a community that everyone can thrive in.”