6 Barriers and Strategies to OER adoption
Barriers:
- Availability: Some subjects have fewer OER options, especially at the upper-year or specialized level.
- Quality perception: Some instructors worry that open materials are lower quality than traditional textbooks despite evidence showing otherwise.
- Institutional culture: Lack of time, training, or support for instructors to find or adapt to OER.
Strategies:
- Search Smarter: Use platforms like:
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- eCampusOntario Open Library: eCampusOntario Open Library
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- B.C. Open collection by BCcampus: B.C. Open Collection | BCcampus
- Start Conversations: Students can talk to instructors, department heads, or student unions about the value of OER and recommend trusted sources.
- Promote Institutional Support: Encourage McMaster to offer faculty incentives, OER grants, or training through the library.
- Share Success Stories: Highlight courses already using OER and showcase the positive impact on student engagement and learning outcomes.
