This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Jonathasmello
Open Educational Resources (OER) textbooks have significantly influenced higher education, the publishing industry, and student debt over the years. OER provides free or low-cost access to textbooks, research materials, and course content, ensuring that students are not restricted by financial limitations (Giovanni, 2025). This is particularly beneficial for students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise struggle to afford traditional textbooks.
OER materials can be adapted by instructors to better suit their courses, making learning more engaging and relevant (Paluch, 2025). Students also benefit from interactive and multimedia-rich resources that enhance comprehension. By removing financial and accessibility barriers, OER is creating a more equitable and effective learning environment.OER textbooks have improved accessibility and affordability for students, reducing financial barriers to education. Studies indicate that OER adoption enhances student success metrics, including higher course completion rates and improved grades (Colvard, et. al., 2018). Additionally, institutions have increasingly integrated OER into their curricula, fostering innovation in teaching and learning (Morris, 2019).
Traditional textbook publishers have faced challenges due to the rise of OER. The dominance of a few major publishers has led to high textbook costs, but OER disrupts this model by providing free or low-cost alternatives (Seid and Bhattarai, 2020).
The cost of textbooks has historically contributed to student debt, with prices rising significantly over the years (Morris, 2019). OER has alleviated some of this burden by eliminating or reducing textbook expenses, particularly benefitting low-income students (Colvard et al, 2018). As a result, students can allocate their financial resources toward tuition and other essential expenses.
OER continues to reshape the educational landscape, making learning more equitable and financially sustainable.
Traditional textbook publishers have had to adapt to the rise of OERs, and their responses have varied. Some publishers have integrated OER into their offerings, creating hybrid models that combine free open resources with paid premium content (McKenzie, L, 2018). Others have developed subscription-based digital platforms to complete with OER by offering lower-cost alternatives to traditional textbooks (Flinn and Openo, 2024). However, tensions exist between publishers and the OER community, as some publishers have been accused of “white-washing”—using the term “open” without fully embracing the principles of OER (Stacy, 2018). Despite these challenges, publishers are finding ways to remain relevant by offering customizable course materials, digital learning tools, and inclusive access models that ensure students receive materials at reduced costs (Flinn and Openo, 2024). The landscape continues to evolve as OER gains traction in higher education.
References
Colvard, N.B., Watson, C. E., & Park, H. (2018). The Impact of Open Educational Resources on Various Student Success Metrics). International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 30, 2, 262-276. Retrieved on May 28, 2025 at https://isetl.org/ijtlhe/pdf/IJTLHE3386.pdf.
Flinn, C. & Openo, J. (2024). Are We Asking Too Much of OER? A Conversation on OER from OE Global 2023. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 25, 4. Retrieved on May 28, 2025 from https://files.eric.gov/fulltext/EJ1456598.pdf
Giovannini, J. (2025, Feb 28). From Access to Success: The Impact of Open Educational Resources. Instructional Design, Engagement, and Support (IDEAS). University of Massachusetts Amherst. Retrieved on May 28, 2025 at https:// www.umass.edu/ideas/news/access-success-impact-open-educational-resources
McKenzie, Lindsay. (Aug 14, 2018). Seeking a Middle Ground Between Publishers and OER. Inside Higher Education. Retrieved on May 25, 2025 at https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2018/08/15/courseware-platform-seeks-middle-ground-between-publishers-and
Morris, L.V. (Aug 1, 2019). Contemplating Open Educational Resources. Innov Higher Educ, 44, 329-331. Retrieved May 28, 2025 from https://link.springer/article/10.1007/s10755-019-09477-7.
Paluch, K. (2025, Feb 24). Student Perspective: Open Access and Open Educational Resources in Higher Education. Western Michigan University. Retrieved on May 28, 2025 from https://wmich.edu/library/news/2025/02/impact-report-student-perspective-oer
Seid, J. & Bhattarai, N. (Feb 2020). Impact of Open Educational Resources on Student Performance: A Comparative Study. Regional Economic Development Institute. Retrieved on May 28, 2025 from https://csuredi.org/redi_reports/impact-of-open-educational-resources-on-student-performance-a-comparative-study/
Stacy, P. (2018). How Traditional Textbook Publishers Can Do Well by the OER Community. EdScoop. May 21, 2018. Retrieved on May 28, 2025 from https://edscoop.com/how-traditional-textbook-publishers-can-do-well-by-the-oer-community/
Discussion Questions
- Which competitive advantages do open textbooks seem to possess?
- Which learning styles might be most effective for individuals in entrepreneurial firms? Explain your answer.
- How might the extensive textbook industry experience that open textbook founders possess help or hinder the company’s ultimate success or failure?
- If you were one of the founders, how would you prioritize how you spent your time in the first weeks on the job after getting the venture capital funding?
