As something that has been present since the 1970s, open educational resources have been the primary motive for students to engage in the open education learning process. 

Students can do much more than focus on textbooks, such as performing inquiries on specific topics and directing what they are learning. Open education is a movement that has massive potential for students worldwide.

What are some ideas that could advance open education even further? That is something we will discuss throughout this article.

Open Textbook Display

The first thing that we want to discuss is what you can do to promote open education. It would be quite useful to either print out the OER textbooks or have these presented through a large display at your campus. Of course, you should do this in collaboration with professors at your campus.

The best place to set up such a display is somewhere with heavy traffic, allowing more students to be informed on what open education is. Using creative handouts for promoting could do wonders, as well.

Holding An Open Education Discussion

Another great way to advance open education and spread awareness of its advantages is by organizing an OER panel. Inviting students, librarians, and professors to such an event would go a long way in hearing different experiences and getting potential recommendations on what could be changed regarding OER at your college.

Organizing Technology-Specific Panels

Technology can help the growing OER movement overcome certain challenges, as long as these are openly discussed. However, as it seems, not many panels on this subject have been organized, so taking further steps in this matter, such as creating relevant discussions, can significantly impact OER’s future.

Focusing On Uniform Technology Requirements

One of the most significant issues that are stopping the further progress of OER has to be the fact that not all organizations are using the same technology. Thus, by creating uniform technology requirements, ensuring the OER movement’s growth is much more likely. 

This includes determining the specific file formats that should be used and platforms that aren’t too expensive or complicated to be used by any organization interested in open education.

More Investments

Last but certainly not least, cooperating with more funders and grantors should help OER develop by stimulating additional investments. Only with these could the idea of open education become present at those organizations and educational institutions where it is currently missing.

Concluding Thoughts

As something that has been becoming more popular throughout the past couple of decades, open education has a great future as long as the ideas mentioned above are practiced. 

OER stands as a movement that stimulates learners to engage in analytical thinking and problem-solving, making it increasingly present at most colleges and educational institutions.