Abstract:
This research was conducted to assess the effectiveness
of the methods that Oregon community colleges and
public universities use to designate courses that use no cost
and low-cost textbooks or course materials in
response to the requirements set forth in House Bill 2871
(2015).
Summary of Key Findings
• Varying designation methods within and across
institutions make finding OER/no-cost/ low-cost
courses difficult for students
• Many college students surveyed have been affected
academically or have made a decision about a
course due to the cost of required textbooks
• The majority of students surveyed are unaware of
what the abbreviation "OER" means
• Community colleges have implemented more
designations than public universities, and their
students are generally more aware of no-cost or lowcost
resources at their institutions
• Students primarily learn about no-cost/low-cost
course materials from their instructors, but not early
enough to influence their course selection at the time
of registration
• Overall, most students don't know where to find no cost
and low-cost courses
• Students would like to see designations everywhere
that they look for courses and course materials,
including in person at the campus bookstore