How Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive Are Open Educational Resources and Other Affordable Course Materials?

Abstract

Many factors influence whether Open Educational Resources (OER) and other affordable materials foster equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Cost savings to students and better outcomes are commonly cited as indicators. However, more research is needed to improve EDI outcomes in OER adoption. This article reports on survey responses from instructors and students from fourteen general education courses that used open and affordable materials. The survey explores three main topics: equitable use and access of the materials, diversity of representation within the content of the materials, and the possible change to pedagogy, specifically inclusive teaching. These topics are contextualized by comparing the responses of White students with underrepresented minority (URM) students.