The benefits and challenges of using OER

1. HeatherRyan
SNAPSHOT: OPEN
EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES
The ups and downs of using
Open Educational Resources

2. FIRSTUP
CONSULTANTS
Open Education Resources:
a quick definition
“Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning,
teaching and research materials in any format and
medium that reside in the public domain or are
under copyright that have been released under an
open license, that permit no-cost access, re-use,
re-purpose, adaptation and redistribution by
others” (UNESCO)
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3. FIRSTUP
CONSULTANTS
 Flexibility: Instructors can use an entire OER textbook,
or sections of it, add to these with their own
text/writing, and build a course reading list from many
sources.
 Adaptability: Because of this flexibility, instructors can
update their materials regularly to keep pace with
their field/discipline.
 Collaborative Opportunities: Because of the nature of
OER materials, instructors have increased opportunity
to collaborate with peers in their field (reading and
sharing their work, etc.).
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Instructor Benefits of Using OER Materials

4. FIRSTUP
CONSULTANTS
 Lower cost: OER materials are often free or low
cost for students.
 Accessibility: OER materials are often available in
digital formats and without licenses/subscriptions,
licenses/subscriptions, and with the ability to use
other accessibility features (screen readers, etc.).
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Student Benefits of Using OER Materials

5. FIRSTUP
CONSULTANTS
 “Free” does not mean “easy”: OER materials are
like a free puppy—they take a lot of time and
energy, especially in the beginning.
 Requires specific licensing knowledge: Instructors
need to understand Creative Commons and the
various licenses, as well as the concept and rules
about the public domain.
 Requires quality checks: OER materials can be
outdated or even wrong. Instructors have to
check any materials before implementing.
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Instructor Challenges of Using OER Materials

6. FIRSTUP
CONSULTANTS
 Technology divide: Because OER materials are
most often digital, students need reliable
computers and internet access.
 Accessibility: Not all OER materials meet
accessibility standards, which can make full access
for some students difficult or impossible.
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Student Challenges of Using OER Materials

7. THANK YOU
Heather Ryan