UPTLC 2024

In an effort to engage modern learners, Northern Michigan University (NMU) has been working to develop an Open Educational Resources (OER) initiative. Given the high cost of education, OER provide quality low or no cost course materials. Studies have shown that students who use OER have better outcomes than students who use conventional textbooks in terms of higher scores and decreased withdrawal rates from classes (Hilton III and Laman, 2012). There is also evidence that OER increases student persistence and decreases attrition rates at all levels of education (Colvard, Watson & Park, 2018). Therefore, OER can be an effective tool to make college more affordable and to engage students actively in their learning (Griffiths et al, 2018). Yet, converting courses from traditional course materials to OER requires faculty to embrace change, which requires innovative approaches to working with faculty.

In our round table discussion, we will facilitate a discussion of the efficacy of OER drawing upon our experiences at NMU. Ruth Abbott, student success advisor, will discuss OER through the lens of making NMU a “student ready campus”. Mitch Klett, professor of Science Education , will discuss his experiences using OER in teacher education courses. Emera Bridger Wilson, librarian and chair of the OER Working Group, will consider the lessons learned from organizing the OER Faculty Learning Community. Kathryn Newton, assistant professor of Chemistry, will reflect on using LibreText to prepare an OER Chemistry textbook. Finally, Taylor Greene, a graduate student in English Composition, will reflect upon exploring OER as a new instructor.