OER can significantly reduce costs for students while providing more current information than textbooks. However, using OER may require extensive time searching for and adapting materials of inconsistent quality. Additionally, ensuring proper licensing and attribution of OER can be time-consuming for instructors.

1. B E N E F I T S & C H A L L E N G E S
USING OER

2. BENEFITS
• Can significantly reduce cost of course for students
• Can provide more current information in rapidly
developing fields than most textbooks
• Materials are developed primarily by instructors
• Can be adapted to individual instructor’s or course’s
requirements or students’ needs
• Provides inspiration for creation and/or development of
instructor’s own material
• Enables instructors to broaden their influence beyond
the students registered in their courses

3. CHALLENGES
• Search and adaptation may well require extensive time
and effort (read: cost) for instructor
• Information in materials may not be well-researched or
validated
• Materials are developed primarily by instructors
• Inconsistent quality
• Minimal materials in some topic areas
• Attribution, checking licensing, etc. can be frustrating
and time-consuming
• Potential lack of sustainability