In this session, we will highlight successes and lessons learned over the two years of creating a new OER unit within OSU’s Extended Campus. Open Oregon State brings the university’s research to those who can use it and works with faculty to create OER for both students and the public.
Open Oregon State works in collaboration with OSU's world-class faculty to develop online educational resources. Through an innovative partnership with OSU Press and OSU Libraries, the Open Textbook initiative reduces the cost for course materials while also ensuring that the materials created are peer reviewed and undergo a rigorous editing process. Open Oregon State also partners with the Beaverstore (campus bookstore) to bring down the cost of other course materials for students.
Open Oregon State has over 40 modules completed (some translated to Spanish and Chinese). Four textbooks have been completed and 17 additional textbooks are in development. Additionally, there are over 20 open courses available and more in development. Two successful Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been offered.
We’ve been asked quite a few times, “Why should we invest in OER?” or “What is the return on investment?” Those are really good questions and we would like to discuss the successes and some of the lessons learned and let the attendees share their experiences and ideas of creating an OER unit and how they measure success. Ideas on how to get both faculty and students involved in addition to gaining support from the administration and the bookstore will also be highlighted.
Finally, some of the completed projects will be showcased along with how the use of the OER has made a significant measurable impact on student grades and student success.