2. The Benefits
Cost savings for students
As a college course instructor, I see the cost of textbooks as a barrier for some
students
Up to date information
With online materials, it will be less expensive and more efficient to update
electronic texts and resources
Ease of Access
Students will be able to take courses from anywhere if the materials, lectures,
and information are open access, lending more success to those who work part-
time and have family commitments/constraints
Teachers/Instructors can utilize open access materials to build upon or
improve their own courses
Improves the ability to collaborate and produce higher quality materials
through peer review
3. The Challenges
Searching multiple sites for resources
Verification of classification of materials – Open, Public Domain or
Copyrighted
The various classifications under Creative Commons
Convincing faculty to participate in Open Educational Resources
What are the incentives for them to share what they create?
Development of a convenient and reliable resource to verify if materials
are available for use
Colleges/Universities providing technical and other support for faculty
involved in developing/sharing OER coursework
Many higher education budgets do not allow for this type of support
