Open Education Resources: Benefits of OER

Open educational resources based on Mediawiki software offer a score of benefits, the most significant of which are listed in the following:

Cost saving. Study materials that are online can lead to cost saving for both institutions and students.

Easy to update. In the present and quickly transforming world, knowledge becomes quickly outdated, and therefore frequent updates are necessary, which Mediawiki software (MWS)-based resources are ideal for.

Easy editing for specific purposes. A teacher can edit a textbook (by shortening, adding or otherwise modifying) for the purposes of his/her course.

Higher effectiveness. Via hyperlinks and links, students can reach information that interests them and surpass the framework of study material (much more easily than in classic print). It is also possible to assume that the specifics of OER environments help students better understand contexts and place problems into them. OER can also help interdisciplinary thinking and the development of so-called “active learning” (or inquiry-based learning).

Change of media. Today’s students are growing up in a world in which they spend more time from a young age on digital platforms than with traditional books. A classic educational text can be less attractive to them. Students become used to the wiki environment from a young age.

Decrease in the burden on the environment. As requirements for content editing grow, so do the costs of recycling it. The whole life cycle of textbooks (paper, print, logistics, sales) represents an environmental burden. Although also a certain burden, a personal computer (or tablet) has become a life necessity in the present age. If students already have these devices, they can limit the use of printed materials.

Contribution to society’s knowledge. OERs support the process of life-long learning in regard to the creation of space for broad participation.