This document discusses the benefits and challenges of using open educational resources (OER). The benefits are that OER reduces textbook costs for students, makes course materials available from day one, allows faculty to tailor courses to learning outcomes rather than textbooks, and makes learning more accessible while encouraging collaboration. The challenges are that OER takes time to integrate, may require department approval to use alternative textbooks, and faculty and students may perceive OER as lower quality than traditional textbooks while also requiring adequate digital skills and access.
2. Benefits
Reduces textbook costs for students.
Makes course materials available to all students from day one.
Allows faculty to tailor the course to meet learning outcomes,
instead of teaching to match the textbook.
Makes learning more accessible to all students.
Encourages and promotes collaboration.
3. Challenges
Time consuming to research, attribute and integrate OER.
May require Department approval (some departments require
faculty to use the same textbook).
Faculty & Students may not perceive OER materials to be of
the same quality as purchased textbooks.
Will require faculty and students to have adequate computer
skills, equipment, and internet access.
Some OER materials may not meet accessibility guidelines.
