In recent years, a growing number of states have been offering direct support for OER initiatives, contributing to the widespread adoption of open education across public higher education institutions. Yet, a persistent critical gap in our understanding of OER has to do with the organizational frameworks and sustainability prospects of these OER initiatives. Through a study funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Ithaka S+R conducted a case study research project assessing the impact and implementation of OER programs at and within four different state systems across the United States. This session focuses on findings from a series for 12 interviews conducted in early 2024, shedding new light on how OER leaders work towards a holistic understanding of sustainability, including insights related to assessment of effectiveness, communicating the value proposition of initiatives, risks, mission-alignment, and equity impacts.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Identify the main risks for OER sustainability
- Differentiate among maturity levels on sustainability spectrum
- Understand the dynamics between state systems and their campuses when it comes to OER
