From Creation to Use: A Framework for the Study of OER in Teaching and Learning

Early research on the creation and use of open educational resources has focused on the potential cost savings of educational content as well as improved access to freely available, high-quality content. Six years of research suggests that the greatest impact of using OER may be not only in reducing costs and increasing access to education but also in serving (intentionally or unintentionally) as a catalyst for transformative processes within teaching and learning. Specifically, research has shown the positive impact of OER through continuous improvement of resources, increased collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of new learning models.