Can You Tell the Difference? A Comparative Syllabus Analysis of OER and Traditional Textbooks

A survey was conducted with faculty and teaching assistants asking them to compare two syllabi for quality and academic rigor based on their indicated discipline. One syllabus listed traditional textbooks and the other listed Open Educational Resources (OER) course materials. The syllabi were compared by participants prior to revealing that one contained OER, then the comparison was made again. Overall, participants found no significant differences between the syllabi using traditional materials and the syllabi using OER materials and only a small percentage of participants indicated knowing the material was OER changed their perception of the quality. These results would seem to indicate positive support for the continued use of OER. They also indicate OER use does not impact perceptions of rigor or quality of the course