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Open Educational Resources: Enhancing Higher Education Accessibility and Affordability

Open Educational Resources (OER) is emerging as a pivotal factor in enhancing the accessibility and affordability of higher education. The significance of open educational resources (OER) in higher education is increasingly recognized, as articulated by Tom Striplin, president of Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College.

Understanding Open Educational Resources

OER encompasses a range of freely accessible educational materials, including textbooks, lesson plans, lecture notes, assessments, and other formats that allow for copying, modification, and sharing without restrictions. The emergence of OER primarily addresses the rising costs associated with higher education, particularly the increasing price of textbooks, which has prompted some students to reduce their course loads or forgo acquiring necessary materials.

The Impact on Student Engagement

Research suggests that student engagement is heightened through project-based learning experiences, where students collaborate with instructors in the creation of OER materials. This approach not only enhances student learning but also provides them with tangible artifacts for future use. However, challenges remain, including difficulties in sourcing high-quality OER, and concerns from educators regarding whether these resources can match the quality of traditional textbooks.

Global Benefits of OER

Globally, OER has proven beneficial in increasing educational access, particularly in underprivileged areas, across various disciplines such as health care, teacher training, and the arts. Many university administrations encourage the adoption of OER by offering faculty support for course development and incorporating these resources into the curriculum. Despite the growing acceptance of OER, continuous efforts are necessary to demonstrate their quality and effectiveness as viable alternatives to conventional educational materials.

Advocacy for OER in Higher Education

Tom Striplin’s advocacy for the development and utilization of OER symbolizes a larger movement within higher education aimed at promoting accessible and cost-effective learning resources, especially as institutions work to uphold educational equity amid soaring expenses.

Source: Times-News

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