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What kind of impact have Open Educational Resources had on student learning outcomes?

Davie Tomaschke

Open Educational Resources (OER) have had a significant impact on student learning outcomes. The availability of high-quality educational materials has given students the opportunity to access knowledge from all over the world at their fingertips. In this modern era, the impact of OER has been immense, as they have opened up new avenues for learning and collaboration.

One of the primary benefits of OER is the flexibility it offers to students, enabling them to learn at their own pace. Unlike traditional textbooks which often present a one-size-fits-all approach, OER caters for different styles of learning. This means that students can access materials in various formats such as video, audio, text, and interactive resources, making learning more engaging and dynamic.

Moreover, because OER is both free and open-source, it promotes inclusivity and affordability. Textbooks and other educational materials are often prohibitively expensive, putting them out of reach for many students. However, OER has changed this dynamic. Today, students no longer need to suffer because of economic constraints, instead, they can freely access all the educational resources they need.

Another benefit of OER is the opportunity for educators to collaborate on new resources. With OER, teachers can share their resources with others and work together to create comprehensive learning materials for their students. The collaborative nature of OER has, in many ways, created a powerful community that is committed to improving how we teach and learn.

Finally, OER has a significant impact on student learning outcomes because it fosters active learning. With OER, students are encouraged to become more active and engaged in their learning process. By being actively involved in their learning, students can better understand the concepts presented to them, and retain the information they learn for a more extended period.

In conclusion, the impact of Open Educational Resources on student learning outcomes cannot be overemphasized. The benefits of OER are many, including flexibility, affordability, collaboration, and active learning. OER has democratised learning, creating a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. It is, therefore, essential for educational institutions to adopt OER as part of their teaching and learning resources to promote a more equitable, accessible and effective learning experience for all students.