Content Description

The current study surveyed 175 full-time USG faculty across 13 different USG institutions regarding the impact of the pandemic on Open Educational Resources (OER) use, differences in OER awareness and use among different demographics, faculty incentives for OER adoption, as well as barriers to OER adoption. The surveyed results include faculty from all four institutional groups within the University System of Georgia (USG). There was a significant increase in OER use among surveyed USG faculty during the COVID pandemic. There were differences in OER awareness, years of OER adoption, and perceived impact of OER across different demographic groups. Among demographic groups, age appeared to be the most significant factor regarding faculty OER adoption incentives. Significant incentives mentioned included increased student access, narrowed student attainment gaps, improved student performance, enhanced faculty innovation, positive perceptions of OER, and administrative encouragement. Regarding faculty barriers to OER adoption, instructional modality was the most significant demographic impacted. The face-to-face instructors noted barriers such as increased course preparation time, negative perceptions of OER, and a lack of technical support. Overall, the current study raises awareness of OER use amongst USG faculty, the impact of the pandemic, and what incentives and barriers faculty might experience. Suggestions for OER practices, increasing incentives for faculty to adopt OER, and lowering barriers to its adoption are provided. A more comprehensive USG faculty survey, including qualitative methods and an expanded sample size, is recommended for future research.

Acquisition Type

Deposit

Provenance

Subacz, Kimberly

Restrictions Apply

No