Considering OER: Benefits and Challenges

Brief overview of benefits and challenges associated with implementing OER materials.

1. OER Considerations

2. Agenda What is OER Benefits of Implementing OER  Challenges of Implementing OER 2

3. What is OER? Open Educational Resources (OER) are free, adaptable teaching tools—like textbooks, videos, and quizzes—that anyone can use and personalize. They remove cost barriers and give educators the freedom to tailor content to fit their students’ needs. OER help create more inclusive, flexible learning environments where everyone has access to quality education. 3

4. Benefits of Using OER Cost Savings  – OER are free to use, helping students avoid expensive textbook costs. Customization  – Educators can adapt materials to fit their teaching style and students’ needs. Accessibility  – Resources are available online, making learning more inclusive and flexible. Up-to-Date Content  – Materials can be revised quickly to reflect current knowledge and practices. Student Engagement  – Tailored and diverse resources can better connect with learners and improve outcomes. 4

5. Challenges of  Using OER Limited Content for Niche Subjects  – Specialized fields like Medical Laboratory Technology often lack high-quality, up-to-date OER, making it hard to find materials that meet curriculum standards. Time-Consuming to Curate  – Finding, reviewing, and adapting OER to fit your course can take significant time and effort. Quality and Accuracy Concerns  – Not all OER are peer-reviewed or professionally edited, so educators must carefully vet resources for reliability. Technology Barriers  – Accessing or customizing OER may require digital tools or skills that not all educators or students have. Copyright Confusion  – Understanding open licenses and what you can legally modify or share can be tricky without proper guidance. 5

6. Conclusion Using Open Educational Resources (OER) can make learning more affordable, flexible, and inclusive. But it’s not without challenges—especially in specialized fields like Medical Laboratory Technology, where high-quality materials can be hard to find. With the right support, though, OER can be a powerful tool for customizing education and improving access.