Typically if you can google it, then you can use it or at least that’s what I thought before learning about OER’s. The laws that are created to protect the author and ensure their material is shared only how they intended is more detailed than I ever imagined. With that being said there still are numerous resources available for instructors to obtain with little to no cost to them or their students. However as Staumshiem discusses in his article from July 26,2016 many instructors are unaware of the resources available to them. (https://www.insidehighered.com/print/news/2016/07/26/study-finds-use-open-educational-resources) The lack of knowledge that there are these numerous alternatives that are free or inexpensive to instructors and students is an aspect that needs to change. Instructors need to be better informed of the options available and how to utilize these options within their courses. I don’t believe we need to completely stop utilizing textbooks within a course but I do believe the most recent information is what we should be utilizing with our students. I mean it’s like I said before about the same aspects being utilized in an ECE course at a local college. The instructor may have changed but the textbook hasn’t changed in over 25 years and that is just absurd! (Sure they updated the edition but that is it.) I believe it’s our responsibility as instructors to be aware of and utilize the newest and most pertinent information within our class to ensure each student is obtaining a quality education. One that they could obtain either from inside a classroom or online through various technological devices (computers, laptops and various mobile devices as well).
How students obtain the information from a course is important and we need to take this into consideration as we create and utilize OER’s. As we’ve all said before, technology is here to stay and as educators we must be creative in how we develop our courses to sustain the interest of the students and technology assists us with doing this. As it discusses in ‘6 Mobile Learning Myths Busted!’ (https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=ESQNcHbmzQQ) mobile learning should be a complimentary add-on to allow students to choose but many instructors are leery of utilizing such aspects because of their own lack of knowledge (and ability). Now don’t think I’m some sort of expert on creating totally online courses that could be utilized with any type of technology, because I’m not. However I am willing to learn about it so I can take my knowledge and experience within my field of expertise, Early Childhood Education, to create a much-needed update to the courses presently being offered. I mean after all I’m taking these courses at Post because I see the need for change within my field. As I proceed each week I know I can increase my knowledge on OER’s and create courses that are mLearning friendly to better prepare the teachers of these young children in their future endeavors!
EDU369 By Penny 
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