Advantages and disadvantages of open educational resources(
- 1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Educational Resources(OERs) By Kim Sweeney
- 2. Why OERs? • Open Educational Resources are free educational materials accessed via the internet • OERs are revolutionizing education • There are many advantages to using OERs • There are some disadvantages to using OERs
- 3. Advantages to OERs • Expanded access to learning • Less expensive than traditional education • Instructor flexibility • World wide collaboration • Huge variety of resources
- 4. Expanded Access to Learning • Students have access to courses and materials regardless of economic status • Students from rural areas, suburban areas, and urban areas have equal access to the same materials
- 5. Affordability of OERs • Materials such as textbooks and courses are usually free or inexpensive
- 6. Instructor Flexibility • Instructors can use OERs and adapt OERs based on curriculum needs (depending on CC restrictions)
- 7. World Wide Collaboration • Instructors have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals world-wide • Students have the opportunity to collaborate with professors and professionals world-wide
- 8. Huge Variety and Quantity of Resources • Agencies, universities, and individuals from all over the world contribute OERs for the collective good
- 9. Disadvantages of OERs • Quality of material • Sustainability of the OER Movement • Accessibility of equipment • Internet access • Cost of maintenance
- 10. Quality of Resources • Unreputable sources may lead to unreputable resources • Limited oversight of OERs
- 11. Accessibility of Equipment • Modern equipment such as laptops, desktops, tablets, and phones necessary to access OERs
- 12. Internet Access • High speed internet or 3/4/5 g access needed for phones, tablets, laptops and/or desktop computers
- 13. Cost of Maintenance • Computers and phones become obsolete • Internet access requires monthly fees • Phone/tablet access requires monthly fees • Virus protection software expensive • Word processing software expensive