CE WHITE PAPER

OER TEXTBOOKS

The NEW generation of textbooks for college

students

APRIL 20, 2022

CREATED BY:
SKYLAR ROBINSON
KINE 4359-002
DR. BRANDIE GREEN
TABLE OF CONTENT

Abstract.........................................................1

Background...................................................2-3

Solution.........................................................4-5

Conclusion.....................................................6

References.....................................................7
 ABSTRACT

The number of college students buying or renting textbooks has declined, and the usage of

online textbooks has increased drastically over the past few years. Buying or renting textbooks

has negatively impacted students for various reasons, resulting in mental health problems,

dropping out, failing classes, and having financial struggles. Free online textbooks provided by

universities could reap many benefits for college students. Therefore Universities must begin to

implement the usage of press books in their courses. The more students have access to free

online textbooks (OER), the more successful they can be.

1
 BACKGROUND

REGULAR TEXTBOOKS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS STRUGGLE

Regular textbooks have been used in University classrooms for decades. Dating back to the

1700's textbooks became a popular instrument for teaching and educating students. (Lindsey,

2020). Over the past decades, many students have utilized regular textbooks while in college,

due it being a part of the curriculum. Some college students are required to purchase/rent

their textbooks, while others have the option to purchase/rent their textbooks. With the

increased prices of textbooks. over the past few years, have put burdens on college students. A

burden would be having access to textbooks, the influx of students trying to buy or rent the

same textbooks for a class, and there would only be a limited amount of textbooks available.

Many students would have to wait weeks after their class started, to order their books. Puts

them at a disadvantage from their peers, resulting in the possibility of falling behind or their

GPA dropping due to not having a textbook. Another burden would be not having the finances to

pay or rent a textbook for all of their classes. Prices of textbooks have increased by over 80%

according to an article, which it has a significant impact on students (GAO, 2013). In some cases

students aren't able to afford textbook prices, potentially causing them to drop classes, opt out

of taking certain classes, GPA or grades dropping, and their mental health to decline.

 BACKGROUND

WHAT IS AN OER TEXTBOOK?

An Open Educational Resource (OER) founded by Larry Lessig, implements the adaptation, free

usage, and sharing of online textbooks (Bliss & Smith, 2017). The OER textbooks include courses,

lectures, videos, and other class content. Often OER textbooks are published in OER commons,

with over 50,000 free online textbooks.

3
 SOLUTION

UNIVERSITIES MUST IMPLEMENT OER TEXTBOOKS

Universities must implement open educational resources into their course curriculum. There are

many benefits of students using online textbooks. Students can have better access to utilize

their online textbooks, and they'll be able to accommodate their individual needs using it.

Whether the textbook is on their phones, laptop, or tablet, they'll be able to have access to it

wherever they are, including having access to a downloadable version of the textbook. Another

benefit is the financial benefits of students having a free online textbook. Utilizing the funds

that's usually for textbooks for other financial needs students may have. The COUP Framework

explains how OER's could lead to unversities enrollment increasing, students completing their

courses, drop rates decreasing, and graduation rates increasing (OEG, 2013). Free unlimited

access to an online textbook could positively impact students and universities.

4
 SOLUTION

UNIVERSITIES MUST IMPLEMENT OER TEXTBOOKS

Due to the overall benefits of the OER textbooks, universities should work with professors to

implement and introduce OER textbooks in different courses. This would essentialy help

finances, mental health, and student performance. Giving sudents without the finicancial

burden to pay for books, and the ability to succeed mentally and academically in their courses.

Students heavily reliable on technology, therefore students could get access to the OER

textbook in many different ways. Using the university resources such as renting or get access

to university computers laptops, phones, printers will help students get access to their OER

textbook. ATherefore, open educational resources will always be readily available for students

to use on and off campus.

5
 CONCLUSION

Studying, writing, and reading from open educational resources could drastically make a

difference in students at universities. The COUP Framework emphasizes on the impact OER

textbooks could bring to both universities and students. The benefits of OER textbooks could

change the way students influence a students academic success. Due to the textbook being free

and online students are able to utilize and access OER at an easier rate. Open educational

resources would improve the outcome of many students, therefore it's vital that universites

realize how benefical it could be to both students and universities by adapting OER textbooks.

6
 REFERENCES

Bliss, T., & Smith, M. (2017). A brief history of open educational resources. Open: The Philosophy

and Practices that are Revolutionizing Education and Science, 9-27.

https://doi.org/10.5334/bbc.b

General Accountability Office. (2013). U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO).

https://www.gao.gov/assets/660/655066.pdf

Lindley, R. (2020). Textbooks and history standards: An historical overview. History News

Network. https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/130766

Openedgroup. (2022). The COUP framework. Open Education Group – Socially responsive

research that concretely improves society. https://openedgroup.org/coup