1. Statistical data about OpenCourseWare users.
According to a survey conducted by OCW consortium and Education-Portal.com,
OpenCourseWare is used by Faculty/Teachers, Self-learners, Working Professionals, Employers,
Others, Students (Secondary or High School), Students (University-First degree), Students
(University-Advanced degree).
The results of the survey by OCW about respondents using OpenCourseWare are:
46%: to help understand concepts I am studying
31%: to learn something for a specific project or task
23%: supplement/create teaching materials
50%: to update my skills or knowledge for work
59%: for my own interest
7%: other.
A survey of users of OCW materials translated in traditional and simplified Chinese by
researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign revealed similar results.
68%: to extend my professional knowledge
62.8%: to increase knowledge of personal interests
31.4%: to answer questions related to my profession
25.9%: for academic studies.
Published by Yves Simon. Reference: Case Study 8 OpenCOurseWare by Mary Lou Forward.