A brief overview of the benefits and challenges associated with Open Educational Resources (OER)

1. and
Challenges
of Using
Open
Educational
Resources
Christian Bruhn
OER 101

2. overview
•Definition of
OER
•Benefits in
using OER

3. What is OER?
• Open Education
Resources is a term
referring to material that is
available to use as:
• Public Domain
• Released material under an
open license that allows for

4. Benefit
s
•Cost saving for
students
•The cost of
books is too
high!
•Gets a book in a
student's hand
at little to no
cost

5. Benefit
s
•Cost saving for
students
•Again… The cost of
books is too high!
•OER grants access to
material for all, not
just people that can
afford the high cost
(did I mention that
books are expensive?)

6. Benefit
s
•Increases global
information at the
touch of a finger
•Allows for students to
enjoy classes/materials
from halfway across the
world

7. Benefit
s
•Allows students
access to materials
following the class
•Helps with information
retention
•Helps promote the
class to others

8. Benefit
s
•Allows instructors to
learn from their peers
•Gives new ideas and
perspectives
•Allows for mentoring
opportunities

9. Challe
nges
• Making sure
you have
quality
material
• Lack of
understanding
about OER
and how it can
help
institutions
• Understandin

10. Solutions!
• Making sure you have quality material
• Review the materials you are wanting to ensure they meet your needs
• Lack of understanding about OER and how it can help
institutions
• Spread the word to your college on the benefits of OER!
• Understanding the copyright stipulations and laws
• Take time to take OER 101… it is an awesome class and it will help you
understand the legal aspect of OER.
• Finding materials for all subjects
• If you can’t find it… create it! Get the ball rolling on your subject matter.
• Lack of accessible options
• If it’s not accessible, make it accessible!