Professor Bumbulucz has been teaching at MCC for the last 25 years and started using OER ten years ago in her Cultural Anthropology courses. When asked what prompted Professor Bumbulucz to start using OER, she stated that: “Textbooks are expensive for students and don't always align with how I teach. By using OER material I can keep the costs for students down while using the learning materials that I feel best work for my students and my teaching style.” She sees the benefits of using OER for her students as, “Primarily keeping costs for students down, but also ease of use for my classes. OER materials are generally easy to access and use, and for students who are using technology constantly, easy access to course materials is very helpful” and has found that students like the variety of course materials she uses.
Professor Bumbulucz also sees a connection between OER and equity: “When the materials needed for class (textbook, articles, videos, and so on) are free to students, then they are more accessible. As a teacher, the flexibility that OER gives me allows me to use learning materials that reflect the diversity of backgrounds my students come from. Students are more engaged in learning, and in the class, when they see themselves reflected in the materials.”
For any faculty thinking about adopting OER, she advises: “OER has come a long way. There are such a great variety of materials out there that are relevant, easy to access, and fun for students.”
Professor Bumbulucz, we appreciate your commitment to OER!