• Education -> Online Education and MOOCs

• 0 Comment

How do Open Educational Resources promote accessibility and equity in education?

Hildred Waymont

Open Educational Resources (OER) are revolutionizing the way students learn and access educational materials. OER are widely available, openly licensed educational materials that can be used for free, remixed, shared, and adapted by instructors and learners worldwide. These resources cover a vast range of topics and subjects, from scientific research data to college-level textbooks, interactive simulations, videos, and more.

One of the significant benefits of OER is that they promote accessibility and equity in education. They provide equal access to high-quality educational materials for anyone, anywhere, at any time, regardless of their location, socio-economic status, age, gender, or ethnicity. For example, in countries where traditional educational resources are scarce, OER can provide a wealth of learning opportunities that weren't previously available. Additionally, OER can also support students with special education needs, such as visual or hearing impairments. By providing more accessible formats, such as audio or visually modified content, these students can also have equal opportunities to learn.

Moreover, OER can enhance the quality of teaching and learning by providing a more flexible and personalized approach to education. Students can access them at their own pace, outside of traditional classroom hours, and with online forums, can share their thoughts, ideas, and learning experiences with peers and educators from around the world. This approach helps to transcend traditional teaching methods and enhances the educational experience, foster creativity and collaboration, and help learners develop 21st-century skills to succeed in our rapidly changing world.

Another important aspect of OER is that they promote cost savings for students who cannot afford traditional textbooks or costly educational materials. For example, according to the College Board, students in the U.S. could spend up to $1,240 on textbooks and supplies annually. OER can alleviate that financial burden, allowing students to use their funds for other needs.

In conclusion, OER represents an exciting development in education that promotes accessibility and equity, provides a more flexible and personalized approach to learning, and alleviates financial burdens for students. With the increasing availability of OER, we can make quality education accessible to everyone, and ultimately build a more knowledgeable, skilled, and prosperous society.