Open education resources (OER) provide several benefits but also some challenges. Some key benefits are that OER can save time by reusing existing content, save students money by eliminating textbook costs, and increase student engagement and learning by supplementing lessons. However, some challenges are that OER content may become outdated, have licensing restrictions that prevent adaptation, require access to internet and technology, and relevant content may not exist for all subject areas.

1. Benefits and Challenges of
Open Education Resources (OER)
BY: NADINE BARRAGAN

2. Open Education Resources
 Can be a time-saver
 Cost savings- It’s FREE
 Can increase student engagement and learning
 Easy to Share- Available Digitally (downloadable)
 Retention- Increase students that can obtain the materials

3. Time Saver
"Time" by Leticia Chamorro is licensed under CC BY 2.0
If content already exists and has the
appropriate copyright and licensing
permissions, you don’t have to re-invent the
wheel!

4. Equal Access
• The content is FREE!
• Students can save money by not having to
purchase new textbooks
"Textbooks in the Curriculum Collection", University of Illinois Library is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. Can Increase Student
Engagement & Success
Incorporating OER in the classroom can
enhance learning and supplement lessons
learned.
"Crossroads: Success or Failure" by ccPixs is licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. Easy to Share
The content is digital and accessible from
anywhere in the world.
"World" by Microbiologybytes is licensed under CC BY 2.0

7. Retention
Students are able to access class content and
textbooks easily, which can lead to persisting
in their educational endeavours.
"College of DuPage Commencement 2018" by College of DuPage Newsroom, College of DuPage is licensed under CC BY 2.0

8. Challenges
 Content can be out of date- Material in some subjects is older
 Double check that the document’s license- Some sites claim that the
content (photo/video) is public domain but it really is not.
 If copyright says you can’t change or adapt- If you find something you
like but do not have the ability to adapt it due to the restrictions on
the copyright
 Students need to have access to technology)- Requires individuals
have access to internet and a computer or device
 Content in your area may not exist- Some subjects have a very few or
not existent content in the Creative Commons etc.