It’s a pleasure to share this conversation with Wayde Oshiro, a Co-Chair of CCCOER’s EDI Committee. In this Meet the Members feature, Wayde reflects on his work at Leeward Community College and his long-standing engagement with Open Education in Hawaiʻi. Like so many in the community – his open work happens “off the side of the desk”. I’m grateful for Wayde’s care, leadership, and generosity over the years through his work with CCCOER, including his deep involvement in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and service on the Executive Council. I hope you enjoy getting to know Wayde as much as I have.
Heather Blicher, CCCOER Director
Can you share a little about your role at Leeward Community College? What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m the Interim Learning Commons and Library Coordinator overseeing the Library and Tutoring Services. Strategic planning, budgeting, managing people, and directing operations are some of my primary responsibilities. Like many others involved in Open Education, OER is not officially in my job description, but planning and coordinating OER professional development activities and an associated faculty incentives program are also part of my workday.
How did you first get involved in Open Education? Any moments or experiences that really stand out for you?
I first learned about OER in 2014, when a now-retired vice chancellor called me and the head of our Educational Media Center to a meeting where he told us about a presentation by Cable Green that he and other University of Hawaiʻi administrators had attended. He directed the two of us to explore OER for Leeward Community College. In partnership with colleagues at Kapiʻolani Community College (shout-out to Sunny Pai!), we launched a pilot project between our campuses, funded by the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges. In 2017, we expanded the initiative across all seven community colleges in Hawaiʻi. You can learn more about our initiative on our UHCC OER website.
You’ve been deeply involved in CCCOER’s EDI Committee. What parts of that work feel most meaningful to you right now?
The most meaningful aspect of my involvement with the EDI Committee is engaging in conversations with fellow members who share similar perspectives. I value the connections I’ve established both within the committee and through our initiatives, such as the EDI Summer Book Club.
In the next few years, where do you see a meaningful opportunity for the CCCOER community?
Our Open Education efforts in Hawaiʻi have greatly benefited from our CCCOER membership. The organization provides valuable professional development, including webinars, that allow us to learn from colleagues across the US and Canada at no additional cost. I especially appreciate the inclusive scheduling that allows for live attendance. With the new strategic plan as its roadmap, CCCOER is positioned to build on its current success, welcoming new leaders and voices, and further expanding the community.
The Fun Stuff
What’s a book, podcast, or article you’ve enjoyed recently?
Recently, I listened to the audiobook of Empire of AI by Karen Hao during my daily commute. It opened my eyes to the enormous human and environmental costs behind the development of artificial intelligence like ChatGPT and the lack of meaningful guardrails as companies like OpenAI race to develop Artificial General Intelligence. I still use AI, but with more thought and intention.
I’m also leading our librarians in reading Generative AI and Libraries by Michael Hanegan and Chris Rosser. The authors provide the foundation and argument for why libraries should be central to AI implementation. I hope to use it as the basis for developing our library’s response to AI.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Milford Sound via the Milford Track in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Machu Picchu and Kangaroo Island are other favorite places I’ve traveled.
Coffee, tea, or something else to fuel your day?
Definitely coffee. I receive a monthly shipment from Blue Bottle Coffee.