The benefits and challenges of using Open Educational Resources.

1. OPEN EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES (OER):
BENEFITS AND
CHALLENGES
By Shiree Bent
How to Use Open Educational Resources Workshop
Winter 2016

2. Benefits in using OERs
 OERs save costs for students: students struggle with having to purchase $150+
textbooks every semester.
 OERs save costs for teachers and departments: if departments find that they need
to purchase textbooks with departmental money, OERs save them the financial
burden of having to do so.
 OERs make a variety of quality choices available immediately: an immense amount
of information is available from over 750 various courses offered online. This helps
students who may be unable to commute to a face-to-face class and primarily take
online courses.
 OERs make courses available at all times: instructors can open courses before the
semester starts to help students who may want to prepare ahead of time.
Instructors can also leave courses open after to aid in post-course retention.

3. Benefits continued...
 OERs eliminate copyright stress: instructors no longer have to stress about
copyright infringement as the resource are under open license.
 OERs are free for teachers: this helps save the teachers money when gathering
lesson materials.
 OERs create connections: teacher can connect with other knowledgeable people in
related fields about subject matter and ideas, which helps to network and
collaborate.
 OERs boost a school’s and teacher’s reputation and credibility: not only are quality
materials available but also the access and knowledge that accompanies it.

4. Challenges in using OERs
 OERs mean change: some people have a hard time adjusting to change.
 OERs are not all inclusive yet: some subject matter is yet to become available
through OERs, such as technology management and other progressive subject
matter.
 OERs make it harder to determine quality: quantity may be there, but teachers may
have a harder time judging the quality of the work.
 OERs are free right now, but that may not always be the case: as time moves on,
funding may cease to exist and compensation for quality resources may be
required.
 OERs may limit some students: students who do not have the ability to get internet
at home may struggle with accessing the material and thus, passing the class.

5. In conclusion,
As demonstrated in this PowerPoint, the benefits outweigh the challenges, but the
ultimate decision should be left to the individual.
Do what’s most comfortable for you!