3 Steps for Educators to Take Advantage of OERs | Getting Smart

abernard102@gmail.com 2016-02-24

Summary:

" ... With the number of open-source textbooks growing, through the efforts of Connexions, ck-12, and others, schools now can build their classrooms around numerous digital textbooks designed to be used as needed. Additionally, these online alternatives can be aligned to state standards in order to ensure quality information is being presented to students. The results of these actions are staggering. According to a 2013 study conducted by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, California’s Free Digital Textbook Initiative solved the nearly $19 million gap in the budget. In 2015, Columbia Gorge Community College reports saving students over $35,000 in textbook costs in just two years after implementing an OER program. With budget cuts and funding issues always threatening educators’ classrooms. Educators using OERs also report increased levels of student engagement and retention. Nearly 70% of educators in an OER Research Survey reported an increase in learner engagement, interest, and satisfaction. Tidewater Community College in Virginia saw higher retention rates and lower student withdrawals after utilizing OERs. The diversity of OERs, coupled with the accessibility of these resources, leads to students accessing classroom information in new ways and forms ..."

Link:

http://gettingsmart.com/2016/02/weave-your-web-of-open-educational-resources/

From feeds:

Open Access Tracking Project (OATP) » abernard102@gmail.com

Tags:

oa.new oa.comment oa.oer oa.textbooks oa.education oa.books

Date tagged:

02/24/2016, 08:54

Date published:

02/24/2016, 03:54