With more and more educators using open educational
resources (OER), the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) created
its Guide on the Use of Open Educational Resources in K-12 and Postsecondary Education.
The 34-page manual provides information on various copyright and licensing
issues involved in using open educational resources.
“SIIA expects that educational needs will be addressed
moving forward by a mix of instructional materials, including OERs,” the
authors of the guide wrote. “SIIA and this guide are focused on helping public
officials, instructors, and content providers better understand the various OER
models, as well as the total costs to consider in determining the appropriate
strategy for developing and implementing a particular educational resource.”
The report details some of the pitfalls of OER,
including the resources necessary to scale their use and concerns over cost shifting instead of cost savings. At the same time, it presents some of the
highlights of OER, such as their long-term value and having teachers more
involved in developing curriculum and resources.
“It appears that OER and the related educational,
business, and intellectual property license models are here to stay,” the
authors wrote. “In the end, the greatest value of OER may not be in cost savings,
but in changing the relationship of educators and students to their learning
resources by empowering them to help author, customize, and share them. Either
way, all stakeholders will need to carefully consider and appropriately adjust
to OER as an important educational element.”