Bonita Russell - Management

1) What drove you to make the decision to switch to OERs?

In courses where I had specified a textbook, I would find that not all of my learners would have a copy.  In one of my early classes, I was the only one with a copy of the textbook.  I stopped using resources then that learners would have to buy in order to fully participate in the course.   

2) What was the biggest hurdle you overcame?

Some of the open texts I use are beginning to show their age so I am having to find newer open resources to supplement the text.  I can’t expect an updated version every other year.  

3) Where did you find the most support?

In the beginning, Flat World Knowledge sent me a link to one of their open texts.  The content was fairly generic and served as a good introduction to the topic.  Open educational resources have since become more commonplace and easier to find.  BC Campus has a growing collection of open textbooks for educators as do other educational agencies.

4) Do you have any further thoughts about OERs since making the switch?

Open educational resources make learning materials accessible for all learners, not just those that can afford to buy the textbook.