Open Educational Resources (OER) usage in learning: Perspectives of undergraduate students, University of Vocational Technology, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Open Educational Resources has gained momentum during the past decade as a way of sharing educational resources with the learning community. This initiative has been very influential in changing the learning culture of higher education worldwide. However, there is a dearth of literature on OER usage, particularly among higher education students in developing countries, despite the fact that, higher education students in developing countries are portrayed as the primary beneficiaries of such initiatives. The aim of this study was to examine the awareness and perceived barriers of using OERs at the University of Vocational Technology. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire from undergraduate students representing ICT and Food Technology degree programs (n=150). The findings revealed that a significant proportion of students were having less awareness of OER. It was observed that students face many barriers in using OER such as search techniques, content and environmental issues. According to the study, university and faculty members should take the lead in practice and dissemination of the concept of OER among students in order to encourage adoption of this valuable initiative.