Professor Morrissey has taught at MCC for the last 16 years and has been using OER in her courses BUS 110, BUS 130, IDS 131, and IDS 117 since 2018.
She shares that “the flexibility, ease of use, and the ability to provide students the materials that they need for free” is what led her to use OER. She further elaborates that “the benefits are enormous!” of using free and open resources for her students. “Allowing all students to have access to materials from day 1 in a course has improved participation, student retention, and course success. We can have engaging discussions about course material where everyone is up to speed, and the students can successfully complete assignments. Allowing students to have the materials that they need from the start of the semester provides equity for all students.”
She finds, “OER materials are up to date with the latest relevant materials. Particularly in courses such as business, OER textbooks are able to offer up to date information, including current events case studies that students can relate to. Traditional textbooks just are not able to offer information in such a timely manner.”
Professor Morrissey’s students have also had positive experiences with using OER. She relays that “students appreciate not starting the semester behind if they are not able to afford a textbook. Often students do not speak up if they are unable to get the text. Lack of text access hurts student morale and decreases their ability to comprehend course material.”
For faculty who might be considering using OER for their courses she “highly recommends looking into OER options. There are so many resources out there, and MCC librarians and other faculty can provide assistance in getting started.”
We are so grateful to have your support behind OER, Professor Morrissey!