2. The Benefits of using OER
● Puts the student first
● Gives the instructor more freedom
● Creates more accessibility
● Eliminates fear
● Allows for more input
3. OER PUTS STUDENTS FIRST
Open educational resources saves students money. By eliminating the need to
purchase expensive textbooks, students can focus on the materials that are most
necessary to their course of study. For example, when I have used textbooks created
by publishers I often feel obligated to use all that I can from the book so that the
students feel that they are getting their “monies worth”. Such teaching is not
student-centered, rather it is publisher-centered.
4. OER GIVES INSTRUCTORS MORE FREEDOM
When using open educational resources instructors are able to create courses or
assignments that are more timely, relevant and meaningful to students. Book
publishers are unable to keep up with the speed of the internet age. Using OER
allows instructors to involve students in experiences that are uniquely connected to
current events or issues.
5. OER CREATES MORE ACCESSIBILITY
OER gives students greater access to information, ideas, and experiences that they
may not be able to have in the classroom alone. This information is brought into
their homes and can be shared with others.
6. OER ELIMINATES FEAR
Understanding how to use open educational resources reduces the worries and fears
about breaking copyright rules or laws. By using materials shared through resources
like Creative Commons, instructors can eliminate the need to get permission or the
worry of using materials inappropriately.
7. OER ALLOWS FOR MORE INPUT
By sharing instructional materials on through open resource networks, there is
greater opportunity to receive feedback or peer review. Such interaction helps to
increase the overall quality of materials that are available.
8. The challenges of using OER
● Accessibility to all students
● Quality of materials
● Lack of knowledge
● Time consuming
● Technological determinism
9. ACCESSIBILITY TO ALL STUDENTS
Many students who are attending public community colleges or technical programs
do not have access to the internet or to a quality computer at home. A course that
relies entirely on OER may not serve all students equally. Financial aid does not
necessarily cover the costs associated with purchasing a reliable computer and
internet services.
Additionally, students who have specific physical needs such as visual, audio, or
learning adaptations, may not have the same experience using OER materials
because they are not necessarily designed to accommodate all students.
10. QUALITY OF MATERIALS
The quality of materials is difficult to judge because of the vast amount of materials
available. A novice to OER may have difficulty determining whether or not
materials are accurate and relevant.
11. LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
There is a general lack of knowledge about OER, especially among older instructors.
Perhaps this occurs because of a lack of professional development.
12. TIME CONSUMING
There are so many resources available that searching for the right materials can be
time consuming. Resources are also not well-organized (at least in ways that we are
accustomed to using) so learning how to navigate can also feel like a waste of time.
The bottomline is that there is a learning curve.
13. TECHNOLOGICAL DETERMINISM
On a more philosophical note, the idea that technology determines social change and
governs social progress as inevitable forces in society is one that is still debatable.
There is a need for balance. Education derived solely from internet sources feels
unstable and one-sided. I still believe in experiences with real books, real people, and
real art. I believe that simulated experience is not the same as hands-on, eyes-on,
ears-on experiences. There needs to be balance.
