TO USE OR

NOT TO USE OERThe advantages and disadvantages of Open

Educational Resources (OER)

THE PROS

Gives Access To Many Voices

■ This includes marginalized voices that are not presented in mainstream textbooks.

Creative Opportunities

■ Provides resources and creative opportunities for teachers and learners alike. Encourages new ideas and enriches already existing curriculum.

Provides Access to International Ideas And Expressions■ Widens the lens and scope of exploration beyond national boundaries;

helps to enhance global awareness and appreciation (aka tolerance).

Extends Community Through Sharing Of Ideas And Dialogue■ Wider and more immediate sphere of influence and being influenced.

Opens up possibilities to create and find communities of interest.

Opportunity To Create Accessible Content For All Students■ Material that is created with accessibility criteria in mind provides

education for all who have access to internet. Allows conversion of already existing material to accessibility standards.

THE CONS

Information Overload

■ So many options, so many choices - it can be overwhelming.

Who Is Left Behind?

■ Reliance on internet creates a barrier. Absence of accessibility standards will reduce usability of material.

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly■ Quality and accuracy of material varies considerably. The burden to

find mistakes, misinformation, outdated material etc. lies with the user.

Time Intensive

■ Finding, selecting, compiling, etc. all take considerable time and effort. Makes it less appealing than traditional textbooks. Question is also who compensates for the extra time needed for faculty?

Attribution Search

■ Finding the correct attributions can be difficult and extremely time consuming. The search for proper attribution may be more time consuming than finding the actual material.