4.1 Key Components of Successful OER Programs

Introduction

Success is subjective. So how can we identify key components of a successful OER program if there's no set definition for "success"? There are certainly some things we can all agree that successful programs should have: strong buy-in, key alliances across units/departments, effective communication, etc. 

But success is also context-dependent. For example, as we learned in Unit 2, some campuses have "affordability initiatives" that include OER, but using library-licensed materials to save students money is also considered a win. On the other end of the spectrum, some programs not only demand 100% open resources but 100% CC BY — the most open license. In between those two options are a range of ways to define success. Where does your institution fall? How will you define success?

Required Readings and Resources

We’ll start this week by digging back into the book Open: The Philosophy and Practices that are Revolutionizing Education and Science. This chapter by Mary Burgess looks at a case study of one of the most successful open education programs in the world. BCcampus Links to an external site. is a world leader in open education, demonstrating a commitment to staffing, publishing, sharing, and engagement. As you read this chapter, note the similarities and differences between the cultures at BCcampus and your institution. Which elements of the BCcampus model could work at your institution? What might you have to do differently, given your unique constraints? While there are many noteworthy qualities of a successful OER program highlighted in this chapter, pay particular attention to how BCcampus leverages local collaborations and alliances.

4.1 Reading "The BC Open Textbook Project"1 Download 4.1 Reading "The BC Open Textbook Project"1

The BCcampus case study sounds like a dream scenario, doesn’t it? Government support and funding, over a decade of university advocacy and commitment to OER — but we’re not all at that stage yet. In fact, most of us are just starting to scratch the surface. That’s why the following chapter from the North Carolina State University Libraries is so valuable. Not only does it frame a program from the point of view of an academic library, it also provides actionable steps and resources such as rubrics and marketing materials. It’s also an example of a version of success that isn’t 100% open. Open education programs often support and fund projects for “affordable” learning as a stepping stone to our ultimate goal of 5R open.

4.1 Reading "The North Carolina State University Libraries' Alt-Textbook Project"2 Download 4.1 Reading "The North Carolina State University Libraries' Alt-Textbook Project"2

Footnotes

  1. "The BC Open Textbook Project Links to an external site." by Mary Burgess, from the book Open: The Philosophy and Practices that are Revolutionizing Education and Science, is licensed CC BY 4.0 Links to an external site..
  2. "The North Carolina State University Libraries' Alt-Textbook Project: Open Education That Opens a Door to the Library Links to an external site." by Kristine Alpi, William Cross, Greg Raschke, and Madison Sullivan, from the book Affordable Course Materials: Electronic Textbooks and Open Educational Resources, is under all-rights reserved copyright. It is used here under fair use. 

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