Open Educational Resources: A Social Justice Issue?
Yes, I have recently realized that they are both an ecological issue (less paper and physical resources) and an equity issue. They are also a fiscal responsibility matter, as I discuss here in the draft of a speech I am giving to my Toastmaster's group in a few weeks (I have to learn it now, though). (I'm sort of an expert on the subject.) Perhaps you’ve had this experience. It’s definitely not hypothetical, and has probably happened to you if you have taken college courses or your children have. You’re signed up for the course, your name is on the roster, and you’re excited about learning. Then you find out right before class, or on the first day, that there is a textbook for the class. All right, books aren’t that expensive, so you go to the bookstore to purchase the textbook. You find out it costs $300. Your heart goes into your throat, or your stomach, or somewhere $300 for a book? What’s it made of, diamonds? What kind of a scam is this?