OER: Why it works and Why it is difficultBy Dawn Bastin-Hernandez

Why OER works?

• Not everyone can afford to buy required textbooks and having a free or low cost option allows more students to access higher learning.

• Courses can be accessed by anyone with a computer, internet connection and a desire to learn around the globe.

• Student and teacher collaboration of content is more accessible and possible with those in distant places.

• Teachers have an outlet to post, integrate, update and research material that advances there coursework for the better.

• Credit is given to the creator of the material which could end up being used by others further your credibility on subject matter of expertise.

Why OER is difficult?

• Searching for materials can be cumbersome, finding quality material requires good research.

• Knowing the licensing parameters and ways it can be used is important but sometimes hard to find and create citations for.

• OER is not a well- known or understood concept within the education world and being and agent of change is always challenging.

• Teaching students about OER resources is not a top-priority for them and for them to see the benefits may be tricky.

• Time to learn a new tool in an already overextended schedule takes risk but OER should have some rewards if you become proficient.

If we are to educate the masses then OER is a real-world option that makes sense and takes the power away from big business textbook companies. Global collaboration is essential in order to

In Conclusion:

Click icon to add picture