BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF USING OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESAND SOME SUGGESTIONS!

By Rebecca Tesdell

June 26, 2014

BENEFITS

Materials are free for instructors and students.

Materials are easily accessible to those who have good internet access.

Students have more options such as free online courses.

Instructors can bring the expertise and perspectives of others into their courses.

Sharing, collaboration and peer review of materials improves their quality and keeps them up-to-date.

CHALLENGES

There is a digital divide. Not everyone has easy access to a high-quality internet connection because of the cost.

Another barrier for some is lack of computer skills and experience with technology.

Researching and developing materials takes a lot of time!

Not all subject areas have ready-made free textbooks. Assembling materials into a cohesive and effective whole is time-consuming for instructors.

When courses are assigned at the last minute, instructors do not have the luxury of time to develop courses without ready-made textbooks.

HOW TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES

Provide free internet access for all.

Provide technology training for all.

Provide instructors with the time and training to develop courses using available open educational resources.

Provide instructors with the time and support to develop, maintain and update shared materials.