Challenge C: Substantive Post 1

As a computer science student, one of the best open educational resources I’ve used is FreeCodeCamp, a non-profit platform that teaches programming and software development through hands-on project-based learning. What drew me to it was the ability to learn at my own pace and apply concepts directly through coding challenges which is something missing in traditional, lecture-based tutorials that get boring and monotonous.
All of its curriculum and learning materials are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA 4.0), which means you can retain, reuse, revise, remix and redistribute the content. This is what makes FreeCodeCamp a true OER as defined by Creative Commons (2025).

FreeCodeCamp’s structure follows Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction. Each module starts by activating existing knowledge then introduces new concepts and you apply them immediately in practical projects. Larger assignments like building APIs or data dashboards help you integrate those skills into real-world problems – the core of problem-centred learning. The platform also embodies Active Learning and the ICAP framework as you engage in Interactive and Constructive modes by trying out code, debugging and getting instant feedback.

From my own experience, FreeCodeCamp has been both accessible and empowering. It’s browser-based, community-supported and free, which removes cost and software barriers. For me, it turned abstract theories into something concrete and provided a space where project-based learning and active learning come together.

Reference

Creative Commons. (2025). What are open educational resources (OERs)?
https://creativecommons.org/about/program-areas/education-oer/

FreeCodeCamp. (2025). FreeCodeCamp: Learn to code for free.
https://www.freecodecamp.org/