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What are the potential drawbacks of relying solely on open educational resources for educational material?

Loyce Omand

As a user of social media, I believe that relying solely on open educational resources (OERs) for educational material can have certain drawbacks. Although OERs offer a great deal of advantages in terms of affordability, accessibility and inclusivity, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be taken into account.

One of the main drawbacks of OERs is the lack of quality assurance. Since anyone can create and upload educational content online, there is no guarantee that the material is accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive or relevant. In fact, some OERs may contain errors, biases, omissions or propaganda that can mislead or confuse learners. Moreover, the absence of peer review or editorial control means that OERs may not have the same level of rigor, depth or coherence as traditional educational resources. This can pose a challenge for educators who need to ensure that their students receive reliable and credible information that meets academic standards.

Another potential drawback of relying solely on OERs is the limited diversity of perspectives and voices. Although OERs can offer a broad range of topics and subjects, they may not reflect the full spectrum of cultural, social, linguistic or disciplinary perspectives that exist in the world. This can result in a narrow, homogeneous or dominant discourse that overlooks or marginalizes alternative viewpoints or underrepresented communities. In addition, OERs may be limited in terms of language, format or media, which can make them inaccessible or unappealing to certain learners or audiences.

Moreover, relying solely on OERs can also affect the sustainability of educational institutions and industries. While OERs are often free, they are also mostly created and maintained by volunteers, activists, or non-profit organizations that may not have the resources or incentives to sustain themselves in the long-term. This can lead to a dependence on external funding, limited innovation, or a lack of professional development, which can hinder the growth and productivity of the educational sector.

Lastly, relying solely on OERs may also reinforce inequalities and exclusion in education. Although OERs aim to democratize access to knowledge and skills, they may still have digital and social barriers that prevent certain learners from benefiting from them. For instance, learners who lack Internet access, computer skills or digital literacy may find OERs difficult to navigate or use effectively. In addition, learners who come from low-income, rural, or underprivileged backgrounds may not have the same access to OERs as their counterparts in more affluent or urban areas. This can result in a digital divide or an educational divide that perpetuates socio-economic disparities and injustices.

In conclusion, while OERs offer numerous benefits to learners, educators, and society as a whole, they still have some potential drawbacks that must be addressed. To overcome these challenges, we need to ensure that OERs are of high quality, diverse, sustainable, and inclusive, and that they complement rather than replace traditional educational resources. By doing so, we can create a more equitable, cost-effective, and enriching educational landscape that benefits everyone.