Implications of OER challenge

Incentivizing the Production and Use of Open Educational Resources in Higher Education Institutions

[David Annand and Tilly Jensen, Athabasca University]

Link to the resource I reviewed: http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/issue/view/85

Succinct summary: 

The research was about how open educational resources (OER) are good substitute for commercially-produced textbooks. It unfolds –

Advantages of using OER:

·         Text books cost savings for students

·         Important motivator of many educators

Factors impeding it:

·        Too much faculty time was required to locate, evaluate, and incorporate material

·        Absence of institutional support

·        Lack of quality control and feedback procedures to improve content and reduce error

Solution to overcome these impeding factors:

·        Financial interests of students are aligned with those of their institutions and related faculty

·        Relatively complete, free, stand-alone OER resources are available from several repository sites

·        Support by internal grants, or external grants from private donors or governments

All the above details were described through the outcome of an ongoing, financially self-sustaining project at Athabasca University that has produced significant cost savings for the institution, maintained equivalent student learning outcomes and persistence rates, and enhanced aspects of the student learning experience.

Based on my interpretation of the above research publication, the two most important implications of OER for learning in a digital age are:

·         OER saves cost

·         Course materials must be provided to students as part of their tuition fees