The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted higher education and presented a long list of challenges for educators and students. With the move to online education, the accessibility and affordability of textbooks have become an increasing concern to both educators and students. Students taking online courses have reported problems accessing or purchasing their textbook—shipping delays, closed bookstores, print backorders, and cost are primary factors affecting students’ ability to obtain the textbooks needed for their classes. Job losses and the economic downturn have families looking at the cost of college, especially as classes move online.
In these circumstances, educators may solve many of these challenges by adopting Open Education Resources (OER) in place of traditional textbooks. OER are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or are under copyright that has been released under an open license permitting no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, adaptation and redistribution by others.
1. Accessibility of print textbooks
The global pandemic disrupted supply chains for everyday items, including interruptions in textbook shipping and availability from publishers and bookstores. The Libraries have heard from many students who have had delays in getting their textbook orders. As a result, instructors have had to scramble and adjust course timelines to accommodate students who are unable to get a print textbook. Using an OER rather than a print textbook means the text is online and always accessible, so students and instructors can proceed with the course without concerns about backorders or shipping delays.
2. Cost of attendance and textbooks
The economic ramifications of the pandemic have hit higher education hard. While colleges and universities find ways to handle huge losses from decreased tuition revenue and government contributions, students must find a way to continue or start their education in unprecedented economic conditions. Students’ plans to enroll in college may now be disrupted as they or their family members face job loss and financial hardships. Enrolled students may encounter significant challenges in finding employment opportunities and be required to take on additional debt to continue their education. In addition to tuition and living expenses, students must also find a way to pay for their textbooks if they can.
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In contrast to traditional textbooks, OER are available at no cost to the student. Research studies have shown that students are much more likely to enroll in a class for which they know they will not have to pay for a textbook. In a follow-up survey of students in a class which was part of the WMU Libraries’ OER Adoption grant program, one student said: “the free textbook provides significant financial relief. It caused me to have a more positive attitude towards the class right away, and I believe this encouraged me to do better in the overall course.”
COVID-19 economic relief may not be available to all students, depending on their family situations. For example, students claimed as a dependent by their parents are not eligible for the $1200 economic stimulus payment. Applications for emergency financial aid have increased tremendously as a result of the pandemic. While educators cannot control the costs of rent and other bills for students, they can decrease the financial burden of students and families attending college by switching to OER and away from commercial textbooks.
3. Unknowns in delivery of classes
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Final decisions have yet to be made about face-to-face classes and whether some or all classes should continue to be delivered online. Experts hypothesize that a second wave of the virus may hit the U.S., which could force another change mid-semester in how classes are offered. With so much about the future unknown, it can be challenging to plan for all eventualities. However, using an OER textbook ensures that no matter how courses are delivered students will have continuous, seamless access to the course textbook. Reliable, no-cost access to their textbooks may be a relief to students who are dealing with challenges in an uncertain situation.
Next steps
Instructors interested in discussing options for adopting OER for their course should contact their subject liaison librarian. Librarians can also provide information about alternatives that can replace traditional textbooks for courses. Explore the Open Education Resources website for more information.
Contact: Beth Martin, beth.martin@wmich.edu