The document discusses the benefits and challenges of using open educational resources (OER). The main benefits are the vast availability of resources across many subjects for any level of educator to access for free. OER also avoids duplicating work and protects against copyright violations. However, challenges include learning how to use OER, accessing technology and support, and finding the right resources. The document concludes that initial training should be provided at no cost and repeated until educators feel comfortable using OER, as the advantages outweigh the challenges if issues of access and support are addressed.

1. OPEN RESOURCES:
BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
BY
JANE SWENSON
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTRUCTOR
GREEN RIVER COLLEGE

2. FIRST – SOME QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
 What is OER? Open educational resources in different mediums that reside in the
public domain or have been released for open access at no cost.
 Who uses OER? Educators (so, ultimately, students)
 What are the benefits of using OER and what are the challenges? Here are a few,
starting with the benefits and ending with the challenges:

3. BENEFITS OF USING OER:
Availability
There are an enormous number of resources available in OER, including pictures &
images, textbooks, lectures & course material, and videos & audio
 There is material in an enormous number of subjects and subtopics
 Any level of educator can access the materials
 Creative, up-to-date information is accessible

4. MORE BENEFITS:
 Avoids re-inventing the wheel
 If it’s already available, from a quality and reputable source, an educator does not
need to re-invent it
 May be able to update it, add to it, revise it, personalize it for a particular class
 Sources provide additional links to other sources

5. AND MORE BENEFITS:
 Protects against copyright violations
 Licensing information and attribution is included and can be double-checked for
accuracy
 Some information can be revised, depending on the license
 Protects the person who created it

6. CHALLENGES OF USING OER:
 Learning how to use it!
 Training is essential – who is providing quality training in an easily accessible and
understandable format?
 Technology - know-how and availability
 Access to someone to answer questions or give help once you start learning it or
using it

7. ANOTHER CHALLENGE:
 Finding what you need
 So many sources to look at – both an advantage and a drawback
 Know which sources fit your needs best
 Checking licenses, making sure the site is legitimate

8. FINALLY:
 The advantages outnumber the challenges, but the challenges need to be
addressed
1. Information about OER and training should be provided at no cost to educators,
and they should be encouraged to use OER
2. Sources for help should be easily accessible
3. Educators should be encouraged to add their own work to OER, share what
they have created

9. FINALTHOUGHTS/CONCLUSIONS:
 An initial introduction to OER is exciting – there’s so much out there!
 It is also overwhelming & intimidating – so much to learn!
 Training sessions should be ongoing, and participants should be encouraged to
repeat training sessions until they are comfortable with using OER – one session
isn’t enough!