OERRH Data Report 2013-2015: Informal Learners
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The OER Research Hub report analyzes survey data from approximately 7,500 informal learners globally, revealing that cost is the primary motivation for using open educational resources (OER). Key findings include a broad subject coverage of OER utilized, challenges in finding high-quality resources, and a majority of informal learners expressing intent to continue using OER or pursue formal education. The document emphasizes the relevance of learning objectives and user recommendations in selecting educational resources.
![Future behaviour
As a result of using [OpenLearn] resources, how likely are you to do any of the following? N=2701
Take a free
course/study an OER
Take a paid-for
course
Do further research
in the subject of my
interest
Download more
OER
Share OER
with others
Recommend OER
to others
Suggested citation: de los Arcos, B., Farrow, R., Pitt, R., Perryman, L-A., Weller, M. & McAndrew, P. (2015). OER
Research Hub Data 2013-2015: Informal Learners. OER Research Hub.
84.5%
24.6%
81.4%
78.5%
60.7%
80.4%
7%
.4%
8.1%
37.5%
19%
18.9%
8.9%
1%
8.6% 9.5%
19.5%
7.6%
1.2%
4.1%
1.2%
10.7%
15.6%
10.8%
High percentages of informal
learners likely to continue using
OER. A quarter of respondents
inclined to go into formal education.
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OERRH Data Report 2013-2015: Informal Learners
- 1. INFORMAL LEARNERS Sample 50.2% 48.3% Age English as first language? Country of residence NO YES Disability? The OER Research Hub is a project funded by the Hewlett Foundation to research the impact of open educational resources (OER) on teaching and learning. During 2013-2015 survey data were collected from approximately 7,500 users of OER around the globe. This report presents a frequencies analysis of responses obtained from INFORMAL LEARNERS (i.e. learners who are not registered for a course at an educational institution). Dataset available for download at http://figshare.com/articles/OERRH_Survey_Data_2013_2015/1528263
- 2. Decision to use OER What is your highest educational qualification? N=3203 Which of the following factors influenced your decision to use OER? N=3147 A majority of informal learners using OER are full-time employed and already hold a degree What is your employment status? N=3290 School leaving qualification Vocational qualification College diploma Undergraduate degree Postgraduate degree No formal qualification Full-time employed Part-timed employed Unwaged Disabled and unable to work Retired The opportunity to study at reduced or no cost The materials can be used flexibly The materials can be accessed at any time The materials can be studied online A desire to have a learning experience/study a course The chance to try university-level content before paying for a course A need to find information (but not study a course) Cost remains the biggest factor driving OER adoption 2
- 3. Use of OER In what subject(s) do you normally use OER? N=2401 Computer & Information Science Psychology & Philosophy Religious Studies Social Sciences Languages & Linguistics Science Mathematics Arts Literature History & Geography Economics, Business & Management Applied Science & Engineering Medicine Health & Social Care Education Studies Physical Ed Special Ed Economics and Computer Science top wide subject coverage of OER used by informal learners 3
- 4. Types of OER Which of the following types of OER have you used for studying? N=2232 Videos Podcasts Images Info- graphics Games Lectures Tutorials Quizzes Full courses Course modules Open textbooks A smaller number of respondents (N=101) were asked about their use of lesson plans (32.7%), data sets (22.8%) and learning tools, instruments & software plugins (34.7%). Broad variety of OER types used by informal learners 4
- 5. Selecting OER NO Which of the following factors would make you more likely to select a particular resource when searching for open educational content? N=3012 Evidence of interest in that resource (e.g. lots of downloads) The resource being recently created, uploaded or updated The resource being easy to download A description of learning objectives or outcomes being provided The resource being created by a reputable/trusted institution/person The resource having a Creative Commons license The resource having an open license allowing adaptation The length/complexity of the resource Use of interactive or multimedia content (e.g. video) Positive user ratings or comments about the resource Personal recommendation Having previously used this resource successfully The resource being relevant to my particular interests/needs The resource featuring a catchy title or attractive image(s) A detailed description of the resource content being provided Relevance to one's particular needs and clear learning objectives guide informal learners' selection of open content. Few mindful of open licenses allowing adaptation. 5
- 6. Challenges of using OER Which challenges, if any, do you most often face in using OER? N=1723 Overcoming technology problems Knowing where to find resources Finding suitable resources in my subject area Finding resources of sufficiently high quality Finding resources that are up-to-date Finding resources relevant to my context Not having time to look for resources Missing the support of a teacher Support techniques Which of these techniques have you used to support your learning with OER? N=1921 Discussion via social networks Discussion in online forums Discussion with others in person Writing or reading blogs Writing my own study notes Informal study groups Use of a learning diary Use of a study calendar Informal learners use a variety of techniques to support their study with OER Not having connections with OER-using peers Discoverability of resources, quality and subject coverage are the most pressing challenges faced by informal learners using OER 6
- 7. Future behaviour As a result of using [OpenLearn] resources, how likely are you to do any of the following? N=2701 Take a free course/study an OER Take a paid-for course Do further research in the subject of my interest Download more OER Share OER with others Recommend OER to others Suggested citation: de los Arcos, B., Farrow, R., Pitt, R., Perryman, L-A., Weller, M. & McAndrew, P. (2015). OER Research Hub Data 2013-2015: Informal Learners. OER Research Hub. 84.5% 24.6% 81.4% 78.5% 60.7% 80.4% 7% .4% 8.1% 37.5% 19% 18.9% 8.9% 1% 8.6% 9.5% 19.5% 7.6% 1.2% 4.1% 1.2% 10.7% 15.6% 10.8% High percentages of informal learners likely to continue using OER. A quarter of respondents inclined to go into formal education. 7