Assignment 9.1: Benefits & Challenges of using OER

1. OER: Benefits
& Challenges
Laurie Stusser-McNeil
September 20, 2016

2. Benefits of OER
For Students:
 Less expensive than published textbooks
 Availability
 Variety of voices represented
 Variety of formats available

3. Benefits of OER
For Teachers:
 Can customize course materials from a variety of
sources and types (print, video, etc.)
 Can update and adapt materials without depending
on the fixed format of a textbook
 Can rest assured about permission to use
 Don’t need to recreate the wheel -- can tap the brain
trust of others

4. Challenges of OER
For students:
 Need to have access to technology
 Need to have technology skills to access material
 Need self-direction to work in digital environment
 Not all materials are accessible for disabilities or
leveled for English language learners

5. Challenges of OER
For teachers:
 Need an “open, generous spirit” to share work
and not control who uses it
 Time consuming at first; (pay-off comes later)
 Over-abundance of resources; takes
discipline to find what you need and not get
lost down the rabbit hole…