Open Educational Resources Degree Initiative Student Survey: Methods and Findings

• In Event: 43.079 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Six - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 43.079-1 - Student Learning and Achievement in Higher Education

Abstract

The Open Educational Resources (OER) Degree Initiative is a national effort involving 38 community colleges creating degree pathways using entirely free and openly licensed instructional materials, with the aim of promoting student affordability and success, pedagogical improvements, and institutional change. This paper discusses the use of a newly developed student survey to collect information regarding students’ OER experiences, including motivations and awareness of enrolling in OER courses, impact on student costs, potential moderating factors, and student perceptions of the quality of the educational experience and instructional materials compared to other educational experiences. Overall, students gave OER courses and materials very positive ratings for quality and student engagement, and indicated that OERs help to reduce the burden of traditional textbook costs.

Authors

• Shari L Gardner, SRI International

• Rebecca Griffiths, SRI International

• Jessica L. Mislevy, SRI International

• Linda F. Shear, SRI International

• Sam Wang

• Alexandra Ball, SRI International