2.0 Introduction to Making the Case

Learning Objectives

In this unit, we'll start to:

  • Explain the benefits and affordances of OER to specific audiences, including students, faculty, and administrators.
  • Identify and marshal research, statistics, and other evidence in support of OER at your institution.
  • Develop and share tailored advocacy materials connecting the benefits of open education to your institution's mission, vision, and goals.

Why This Unit Is Important

This unit sets the stage for explaining the value of OER and building the coalition of campus stakeholders you will need to make your program a success. Open education is too big to be done by a single person — in order to develop a successful program, you must explain OER and make the case to students, faculty, and your administration. Their support will be critical to your success, but each stakeholder has a different set of experiences, needs, and incentives. Students may want to hear about reducing costs while faculty are more interested in customization and administrators need evidence that OER will advance the institution's mission.

By the end of this section, you should be prepared to tailor your talk to the different constituencies you bring to the table. Connecting the goals and outcomes of your OER initiative to your institution’s strategic plan will help you identify strategies to pursue. It will also help with messaging and marketing.

How This Fits Into the Larger Picture

Explaining the "what," "why," and "how" of open education is critical at every stage of your work, from launching a new program, to gathering allies and support, to sustaining OER work for the long term. 

What's Due This Week

  • Read sections 2.1–2.3 by Friday, March 13
  • Discuss
    • Initial discussion post due Friday, March 13 (11:59 pm local time)
    • Response post due Sunday, March 15 (11:59 pm local time)
  • Action Plan Activity due Sunday, March 15 (11:59 pm local time)