Open Educational Resources (OER)

Virtual Learning
ENGL102: English Composition II
ENGL 207: Introduction to Literature

What specific OER are you currently using?

I use scholastic online content, creative commons content, and Films on Demand.

Why did you decide to make the switch to OER?

I wanted my online classes to run without a textbook.  This would save students textbook costs and ensure all students had access to the material I was assigning in class.  So far, I have accomplished that in two of my four online classes.

Are you using OER as your primary text or as supplemental materials?

Primary text and supplemental materials.

Where do you find quality OER?

Other educational institution content (like the Purdue Writing Lab), HACC library databases, Films on Demand, Google Books, Creative Commons, and appropriate YouTube Videos

How did you evaluate the OER you selected?

I had used textbooks previously, so I evaluated all content to ensure scholastic accuracy and appropriateness for the weekly learning objectives.

Were there any challenges to using OER, as compared to traditionally published materials?

The biggest challenge was the time it took to find the content, evaluate the content, and then revise the content modules within my online classes.  The initial work for these revisions was substantial.  Updating the course each semester is still time consuming, but it is not nearly as challenging as the initial revision.

What is your students’ feedback on the OER you have used?

I have had various students thank me for not using a textbook.  High textbook costs truly are a barrier to success for some of our students.

What differences have you noticed in student learning, grades, or engagement when you used OER?

I am still monitoring this.  However, at this point, I have noticed no change, positive or negative, in student performance so far. 

What advice do you have for colleagues who are interested in implementing OER in their teaching?

I encourage faculty to do what they deem best for their classes. OER implementation is likely “easier” for some classes vs. others.   However, I would encourage faculty to consider the opportunity since high textbook costs can be a barrier to student success.