Open Learning News and Updates

My Co-op Experience with Open Learning: A Journey of Growth, Ownership & Real Impact

Written by: Girish Bhuteja

My time with Conestoga’s Open Learning team has been one of the most defining parts of my journey as a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) student. Stepping into the role of OER Project Assistant, I expected technical work, but what I experienced was much bigger: real responsibility, meaningful impact, and a level of personal and professional growth that I will carry with me long after this co-op.

Throughout my terms, I worked on building and improving OER in Pressbooks, creating interactive H5P content, cleaning up legacy HTML/CSS, and even producing full videos for the department. One of my favourite parts of the role was auditing sections of the Open Learning website and redesigning the user experience to be more accessible and intuitive. Everything I learned in my courses, UX principles, accessibility guidelines, design thinking, and front-end structure, suddenly became tools I was applying in real time. Seeing how those changes could directly support students reminded me why thoughtful design is so important.

A major turning point in my growth came during a particularly busy period in the term, when project demands increased, and I had the opportunity to take on more responsibility. Managing multiple tasks while continuing to support students at the Tech Bar helped me strengthen my ability to prioritize, stay organized, and maintain consistency in my work. The feedback and appreciation I received from the team afterward meant a lot to me. It made me realize how much I had grown in terms of confidence, ownership, adaptability, and my ability to stay focused under pressure, skills that will continue to define the professional I aim to become.

Along the way, I also learned the importance of open licensing, proper attribution, and ethical use of digital content, things that often go unnoticed but hold huge responsibility. Weekly check-ins, team huddles, and 1:1 conversations helped me sharpen my communication skills and understand what effective collaboration looks like in a real workplace. Hearing directly from students about how much OER reduces financial stress and increases access made my work feel meaningful on a deeper level.

Looking back, this co-op didn’t just strengthen my technical foundation; it helped me understand who I am as a professional. I leave this experience more confident, more independent, and more passionate about creating accessible, student-centered digital experiences. I’m truly grateful to my managers and the entire OER team for trusting me, guiding me, and giving me the space to grow. This experience didn’t just prepare me for future roles; it made me excited for them.