A Comparison of Academic Outcomes in Courses Taught With Open Educational Resources and Publisher Content

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Division J Poster Session: College Student Success

Abstract

What difference do Open Educational Resources (OER) compared with publisher content (non-OER) make when costs and instructors remain constant? A total of 215 community college students enrolled in online, introductory courses were randomly assigned to OER or non-OER sections and compared on retention at the drop date, completion with a C or better, course completion, and mean final exam scores. Students in the OER sections were retained and persisted at a significantly higher rate lending credibility to former studies regarding retention and persistence rates in courses taught with OER materials. No significant differences were found on completion rates or final exam scores. OER course materials should be considered in broader initiatives for student success in community colleges.

Authors

• Diane Ryan, Old Dominion University

• Linda Bol, Old Dominion University

• Monica Christina Esqueda, University of California - Davis

• Sue C. Kimmel, Old Dominion University