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OER (Open Educational Resource)

Guide for faculty who would like to use OER materials

Introduction

Over the past several years, students and educators have watched with concern as the cost of educational materials has risen dramatically. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, textbook costs have increased more than 1,000% since 1977, outpacing the cost of medical care, new homes, and the consumer price index. These costs can be detrimental to students as they may struggle to keep up in courses and may be more likely to drop out when they cannot readily access textbook material. Seeking to address these concerns, colleges and universities have begun to seek educational materials that are both high-quality and affordable for students.

This crisis affects students of color more than any other population (ASCCC OERI-Introduction to Equity)

What is the Problem? Textbook Cost Inflation Explained

What Are Potential Solutions?

Open educational resources (OERs) are free and openly licensed educational materials that can be used for teaching, learning, research, and other purposes. OERs are emerging as a strategy for lowering barriers to student academic success, specifically by ensuring that all students have access to course materials regardless of their financial situation. A key advantage of OERs is that they can reduce cost for students while increasing faculty control over course content.