Remixing in Education: Innovation Through Borrowing and Adapting

Education has always been a space for remixing—teachers borrow, adapt, and merge ideas to create meaningful learning experiences. Whether modifying lesson plans, adjusting teaching strategies, or designing assessments, educators rely on existing materials as a foundation for innovation. Despite this, there is often a stigma around “copying” in education. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into learning spaces, our understanding of remixing is evolving, raising new questions about originality, creativity, and ethical use of information.

Remixing in Teaching: A Necessary Practice

Kirby Ferguson’s documentary Everything Is a Remix (2023) highlights how creativity is often about reworking existing ideas rather than inventing something entirely new. This principle is evident in classrooms, where teachers routinely adapt curriculum materials, collaborate with colleagues, and draw inspiration from educational research. The Saskatchewan curriculum, for example, supports flexible teaching approaches that allow educators to tailor lessons while still meeting learning outcomes. Inquiry-based learning—central to Saskatchewan’s education model—requires students to engage with multiple sources, synthesize information, and form their own interpretations, all of which align with the concept of remixing. One of the first resources that came to mind was Teachers Pay Teachers. 

Assessment practices also reflect this process. Traditional tests are often combined with performance-based evaluations, project work, and portfolios to provide a more comprehensive picture of student learning. Teachers adjust assessments to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring students can demonstrate understanding in multiple ways.

Is Copying Always a Problem in Education?

While originality is often emphasized, the reality is that most learning builds on what already exists. The idea that educators should never “copy” contradicts the collaborative nature of teaching. The phrase “don’t reinvent the wheel” reflects the practicality of using and adapting resources rather than creating everything from scratch. Open Educational Resources (OER) promote this mindset by providing freely available teaching materials that encourage adaptation and sharing. Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Education, for example, offers resources designed to be modified for different classroom needs, reinforcing the value of ethical remixing.

That said, ethical considerations remain important. Teachers must model responsible remixing by crediting sources and using materials in ways that transform rather than merely duplicate them. Encouraging students to engage in this process fosters critical thinking, synthesis, and creativity—key skills in a rapidly evolving world.

The Impact of AI on Remixing in Education

Artificial intelligence has introduced new dimensions to the remixing conversation. Tools like ChatGPT can generate lesson plans, summarize texts, or assist with research, making it easier for educators to build upon existing knowledge. At the same time, AI-generated content challenges traditional ideas of authorship and originality. How do we define creativity when technology can remix information at an unprecedented scale? I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Rather than resisting AI, educators can guide students in using it responsibly. Teaching students to analyze, refine, and ethically integrate AI-generated content into their work aligns with Saskatchewan’s emphasis on inquiry and digital literacy. By framing AI as a tool for enhancement rather than replacement, teachers can help students develop the skills needed to think critically and create meaningfully.

Conclusion: Remixing as a Strength in Education

Remixing is not a sign of a lack of creativity—it is the foundation of learning and innovation. Teachers and students alike build upon existing ideas to construct knowledge, and this process should be embraced rather than discouraged. As AI continues to reshape how we engage with information, educators have an opportunity to redefine what it means to create, adapt, and remix responsibly. By recognizing remixing as an essential educational practice, we empower students to think critically, collaborate, and contribute to an ever-evolving world.

Karissa 🙂