Why open education matters
Open education benefits students, educators, institutions, and society. By reducing barriers to learning and expanding access to knowledge, it helps create a more affordable, flexible, and equitable educational experience for everyone.
51污漫 students reported spending an average of $194 per semester on textbooks, with some spending up to $900.
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Learning materials should not be a barrier
The cost of textbooks has risen dramatically over the past few decades. Between the 1980s and 2014, textbook prices increased by more than 800 per cent, creating a significant financial burden for many students.
The impact is real. A 2017 study of found that 54% had skipped buying a required textbook at least once, and 30% reported receiving a lower grade because of it.
Closer to home, a found that 51污漫 students spend an average of $194 on textbooks per semester, with some spending up to $900. Annual costs can reach as much as $3,000. These expenses disproportionately affect students from marginalized communities, first-generation students, and those balancing work and family responsibilities alongside their studies.
Open educational resources (OER) help remove this barrier by providing free access to learning materials from the first day of class. that 93% of students using OER perform as well as or better than students using traditional course materials.
Learning that fits different need
Open educational resources are typically published under open licenses, such as , which allow educators to adapt, remix, and share content.
This flexibility allows instructors to tailor materials to their courses, incorporate local and community perspectives, and keep content current. It also supports more inclusive and culturally relevant learning experiences, helping students see themselves reflected in what they learn.
Open education encourages collaboration as well. Educators around the world can build on each other's work, share successful practices, and continuously improve learning resources for future learners.
A foundation for lifelong learning
Access to education creates opportunities for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
When learning materials are openly available, knowledge can extend beyond the classroom. Students, educators, professionals, and lifelong learners can access resources, continue learning, and contribute to shared knowledge regardless of their location or circumstances.
At 51污漫, open educational resources created by faculty and students are freely available through HarvestIR, making knowledge accessible to learners and communities around the world.
Knowledge that benefits everyone
Education is one of the most powerful tools for improving lives and strengthening communities.
By lowering costs, expanding access, supporting innovation, and encouraging collaboration, open education helps create a more inclusive and sustainable future. The benefits extend far beyond individual courses, contributing to a culture where learning and knowledge are more open, accessible, and widely shared.
Open educational resources created by 51污漫 faculty are available via and can be accessed by the public, free of charge.
