This document discusses the pros and cons of open educational resources (OER). It outlines several advantages of OER including flexibility to update materials, potential for interactivity, lower cost compared to textbooks, portability, and access to knowledge from many contributors. Potential downsides include reliability issues if content is inaccurate, restrictive nature if authors later change permissions, time required to develop high-quality OER programs, lack of face-to-face interaction, and limited awareness of OER currently. Overall, the document concludes that with research, OER have potential to advance learning for those with financial or geographic barriers to education.

1. YEA’S & NAY’S
OF
OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
To ORE or Not to ORE; That is the Question!
Stanley Williams BM, MMusEd
Assistant Professor of Music, Pierce College, Tacoma WA

2. THOSE IN FAVOR OF YAY…
 FLEXIBILITY
 Changes are inevitable. However, once printed, changes must
necessarily wait for new editions to be developed before they can be
implemented. With an OER presentation, changes can be
implemented immediately and as often as required.

3. THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
 INTERACTIVITY
 Printed materials are, by their nature, what they are. Creating an
interactive format through the printed educational page can be
difficult and limiting. Within the framework of an OER, a teacher is
able to create interesting and interactive formats that can present
features such as motion, hide and show answers, or even personal
interaction through pre-recorded videos.

4. THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
 EXPENSE
 The cost of prefabricated materials can be costly. Sadly, money can
be an issue with many aspiring students. The free nature of an OER
provides an affordable alternative to costly text books that may or
may not be up to date.

5. THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
 PORTABILITY
 Carrying around text books can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
With the advent of mobile technologies such as smart phones and
tablets, keeping a full complement of text materials can be ready at
hand. This is a convenience in the busy, fast paced world that we live
in.

6. THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…
 ACCESS TO OTHER MINDS
 A teacher can study for many years to gain knowledge. However,
not matter how long studies ensue, there is always much more to
learn. Using OER resources, the potential for tapping into the
knowledge of others can be nearly limitless. This can one be a
positive benefit to the end student.

7. THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
 RELIABILITY
 With an open source platform, the very thing that makes it
accessible for change also makes it vulnerable to inaccuracies. While
many well experienced and/or educated people are available to share
expertise, there are also those who believe they know more than they
actually do. As with any technology that spans an expansive arena, the
bad must be understood as being a necessary evil to the good.

8. THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
 RESTRICTIVE
 While in one breath, it can by said that OER materials allow for
expedient access to a wide array of free information, it holds a potential
downside should an author have a change of heart about the permissions
that they have previously granted. While CC licenses may be discontinued,
they can not be revoked. This allows those who have used materials under
a previously authorized license continue to be free to do so, irregardless
of an authors currents desires.

9. THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
 THE TIME FACTOR
 Collecting and collating materials can be time consuming. While
the end result has great potential for the advancement of learning, the
time that it can take to put together an OER program has the
potential to be daunting.

10. THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
 FORFEIT OF FACE TO FACE
 OER clearly has many benefits. One important drawback is the lack of
personal, face to face interaction. There is a certain “spark” that occurs
when teacher and students are in the same room interacting. There is
much to be said for a personal connection where students can ask direct
questions and receive direct answers. If a student is not clear on any
portion of the learning process, they can not come immediately to the
instructor to gain further clarification.

11. THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…
 LACK OF UNIVERSAL AWARENESS
 OER can be a wonderful tool. But as with any tool, it has no
useful purpose if it can’t be found. Time may make OER a
commonly known resource for the masses. However, as it stands
currently, mass awareness of OER programs is somewhat limited.

12. COMMENTARY
 There are pros and cons to virtually any issue that can come to mind.
Finding a balance is the desired goal. With the proper research, creating
an OER for pedagogical purposes can be a highly efficacious means to
advancing the learning process. Considering a variety of options, it is clear
that the potential for universal learning by those who are of lesser
financial means, or in a location not conducive to reaching a learning
institution, can be a powerful tool in the advancement of personal
education.