Unlocking access through open educational resources

As education costs soar, students face barriers when accessing essential learning resources. Open educational resources break down these barriers, granting all students access to vital materials regardless of financial standing. Connecticut colleges should integrate more open educational resources to ease the financial burden, provide free or low-cost learning materials and reduce overall education expenses.

I’ve faced several occasions, particularly in my first two years of college, where I couldn’t afford textbooks until the third or fourth week of the semester. It proved to be a setback, and by the time I acquired the textbooks, I was significantly behind in the course, ultimately leading to my withdrawal.

Experiencing setbacks like that can be incredibly disheartening, especially when they affect your academic progress. It’s tough to navigate college expenses, especially when textbooks come with such a hefty price tag.

Statistics show that the average cost of textbooks in 2023 was as high as $600 per academic year, according to Education Data Initiative . Because the cost is so high, students often have to work more to afford expensive textbooks, while some go without eating so that they can afford textbooks for their courses. According to the Education Data Initiative, 25% of students said they worked extra hours to afford textbooks, and 11% said they skipped meals to afford to pay for textbooks.

Open educational resources are free-to-use educational materials that are in the public domain or licensed for free use. They provide an opportunity for colleges and universities to help alleviate some of the financial burdens students face.

Professors in Connecticut and around the country are aware of open educational resources and have been increasingly implementing them into their courses. However, expensive textbooks or digital versions of those textbooks are still predominantly used in college courses around the country.

A 2023 article from Inside Higher Ed said usage and awareness of open educational resources have reached an all-time high; 29% of professors surveyed said they use open educational resources in their courses, and 72% said they are aware of them.

Open educational resources are a cost-effective alternative to traditional textbooks. In addition to being budget-friendly, open educational resources can significantly enhance student engagement and success rates.

I have taken courses at Central Connecticut State University with professors who use open educational resources, and I have found that it is much easier to engage with open educational resources than with expensive, often confusing textbooks. Professors can present open educational resources in a more understandable and straightforward way than a textbook purchased at a university bookstore.

Professors who choose to use open educational resources send a message to their students that they care and are mindful of the stress that students face regarding textbook expenses. This makes students more receptive and ultimately helps them succeed in the course.

According to a study from the International Journal of Open Educational Resources, 75% of students surveyed said their grades and motivation to do well improved in courses that utilized open educational resources.

Opponents of open educational resources argue that quality-control issues surround them because anyone is allowed to create open educational resources. However, students are not left to their own devices when seeking out open educational resources. Professors vet open educational resources before assigning them to ensure students receive credible, accurate information.

Adopting open educational resources not only eases the financial challenges students face but also fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Professors who use open educational resources signal a commitment to student welfare and academic success. If entire universities decided to implement open educational resources in a wider selection of courses, it could lower the cost of education, thus making higher education a viable option for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Andrew DeCapua is editor-in-chief of the Recorder news site at Central Connecticut State University.