Open Educational Resources:
Pedagogical freedom
A typical textbook covers a specific set of topics in a specific order. Most OER can be modified, which means:
Cost savings
Because most OER are free, adopting OER can save students a significant amount each semester. OER adoption has already saved SUNY students $47 million (between 2017 and 2019).
Immediate & Lasting Access
Students often have to wait for student loan dispersements or other financial assistance in order to purchase their textbooks. By adopting OERs in your class, your students will have access on the first day of class.
Equivalent or better learning outcomes
Research summarized by Hilton (2019) suggests that students generally experience equivalent or better learning outcomes when using OER, as compared to outcomes when using traditional textbooks.
Student success and retention
Colvard, Watson, and Park (2018) found that "OER improve end-of-course grades and decrease DFW (D, F, and Withdrawal letter grades) rates for all students. They also improve course grades at greater rates and decrease DFW rates at greater rates for Pell recipient students, part-time students, and populations historically underserved by higher education [emphasis added]" (p. 262).
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