Emma’s OER Experience
When I first started learning about Open Educational Resources (OERs), I didn’t realize how much they could change the way we learn. As a freshman at the University of Utah, I was just beginning to navigate the world of textbooks, classes, and the costs of higher ed, but then I discovered OER and it was like everything clicked. Why are we paying hundreds of dollars for textbooks when there are high-quality, free resources out there? I couldn’t ignore how much of an impact this could have on students everywhere, so now I’m fully committed to helping make education more affordable and accessible for everyone.
When I started working at the Marriott Library, I learned firsthand why accessible course materials are so important. While I was researching OERs at work, one of my classes ran into several issues with the expensive Inclusive Access textbook we purchased. As we tried to navigate the textbook’s limitations, and eventually moved away from using it altogether, all I could think about was how much money I had spent on this low-quality resource, and how many better, free alternatives were out there just waiting to be used.
In my time here, I’ve come to understand the bigger picture of why OERs matter. It’s not just about saving money — it’s about making sure that students have access to the best possible materials, regardless of their financial situation. I firmly believe that students shouldn’t have to choose between paying for rent or food, and paying for materials that are supposed to help them succeed in the courses they’ve already invested in. As I have dug deeper into OER initiatives, I have realized how much the price of textbooks can negatively impact students’ lives, which fuels me to advocate for better alternatives.
Aside from saving students money, Open Educational Resources offer many other benefits. Their adaptability makes them more relevant to specific courses, and the OER community itself is incredibly supportive. The people working to make OERs accessible genuinely care about student success. With the overarching goal of making education and knowledge accessible to everyone, those involved in OERs are selfless in their efforts to break down the barriers created by paywalls and fees. Broadening our minds and learning about the world should not be locked behind financial barriers, and OERs are helping to tear down those walls.
Since diving into the world of OERs, Elise and I have been busy learning everything we can and spreading the word to others. We’ve had some great informational interviews with faculty, librarians, and other stakeholders to help us get a better sense of where things stand on campus. These conversations have been eye-opening, and helped us understand both the challenges and the real opportunities OERs bring to the table. Along with all this research, we’ve been working on ways to get students more involved. We created posters, Google Forms, and other materials to help us market OERs and gather feedback. And we’re just getting started! There’s so much more we plan to do to raise awareness and keep pushing for change.
There is still a long road ahead, and it will take time for students, professors, and institutions to adjust to OERs, but the first step is raising awareness. Every small step towards using OERs is a step towards a future where students no longer have to worry about choosing between their education and their financial stability. I am excited to continue advocating for OERs, not just as a student but as a part of a community working toward a more inclusive educational system. There’s so much potential for change, and I am eager to see how the use of OERs will continue to grow in the coming years.
