Open educational resources (OER) help preserve collective knowledge by preventing the loss of indigenous cultures' skills and wisdom. OER also increase cross-disciplinary understanding by allowing academics from different fields to learn from one another and acknowledge the interplay between nature and nurture. Additionally, OER help academic peers mentor each other by giving instructors models for rethinking their courses to meet changing student needs when their work is fully accessible.

1. Brief comments by
Dr. Bev Farb

2. .
Knowledge can be lost.
The destruction
of indigenous cultures,
including all their skills
and collective wisdom,
is a tragic illustration.
Indigenous Camarvon by Pierre Pouliquin licensed by CC BY-NC
Open educational resources (OER)
preserve collective knowledge.

3. .
Academic disciplines were once fiercely territorial. But
increasing cooperation has taught us much. For example:
Natural scientists and
social scientists
used to argue about
the relative power of
“nature vs. nurture.”
All now acknowledge
a balance between the two.
Baby Giant Turtle by Robert Clark licensed by CC BY-NC
Open educational resources (OER)
increase cross-disciplinary understanding.

4. .
In order to meet changing student
needs, we instructors need to
frequently rethink what we offer.
When our work is fully accessible,
we have each other as role
models.
365.94 to cross by Michael Verhoef licensed by CC BY NC ND
Open educational resources (OER)
help academic peers mentor each other.

5. .
Great education can flow from unexpected people. So
we need a forum on education where all ideas have a
chance to be heard.
Idea by Pimthida licensed by CC BY-NC-ND
Open educational resources (OER)
enhance democracy of thought.

6. .
Education is the fastest
and most secure way of
climbing out of poverty.
Education is still a privilege.
Many of us would like
to see it as a right.
Success by Alosh Bennett licensed by CC BY ……………….
Open educational resources (OER)
make quality education available to all.

7. Challenges
of
Open Educational Resources
 Are still limited (despite rapid growth).
 May homogenize education (if limited offerings
remain).
 Suffer from lack of funding.
 Pose a threat to traditional educators (who may be
replaced if offerings expand).
 Rely on a trusting community which can be
violated (despite built-in protections).