Benefits and Challenges of Using OER in the Classroom

The Future Looks Bright

Benefits and Challenges of Using Open

Educational Resources in the Classroom

By Esteban (Steve) Sosa

Benefits of Using OER in the ClassroomSunny All Week

Key Student Benefits

• Saves students money• Saves the environment• Saves students money• Increases accessibility

beyond the course term• Saves students money

"From Anton Chekhov to Anton Calculus" by Quinn Dombrowski is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Key Faculty Benefits

• Utilizes existing resources• Creates content-rich courses• Amazes your Dean• Saves students money

"Chinese Teacher" by Marco Klapper is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Challenges of Using OER in the ClassroomShowers Ahead

Student Challenges

• Decisions on what to do with saved money

• Requires shift out of textbook learning model

• Utilizes technology in adoption, access, and saving

"Girl on Laptop in Park" by CollegeDegrees360 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Faculty Challenges

• Requires shift in teaching and learning model

• Utilizes technology heavily• Requires time to search,

filter, and collect course content

"WIDER Annual Lecture 13" by UNU-WIDER is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Administrative Challenges

• Competes with bookstore• Requires instructional

technology support staff• Requires funding or release

time for new material creation

"Budget" by Tax Credits is licensed under CC BY 2.0

What’s Your Forecast?

Benefits and Challenges of Using Open Educational Resources in the ClassroomBy Esteban (Steve) Sosa