Introduction
Open education and online learning have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many institutions adopting open educational resources (OER) and online courses to improve student access and retention. However, the impact of these initiatives on student retention is not yet fully understood. This article reviews the existing evidence on the relationship between open education and student retention, with a focus on the benefits and challenges of implementing OER and online learning.
Benefits of Open Education for Student Retention
Research has shown that open education can have a number of benefits for student retention. These include:
- Increased access: OER can provide students with access to high-quality educational resources, regardless of their financial situation or location.
- Personalization: Online learning platforms can offer students a range of learning pathways and activities, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in their own style.
- Flexibility: Online courses can be taken at any time and from any location, making it easier for students to balance their studies with work and other commitments.
Challenges of Implementing Open Education
While open education offers a number of benefits for student retention, there are also a number of challenges associated with implementing OER and online learning. These include:
- Quality control: Ensuring the quality of OER and online courses can be a challenge, particularly when resources are being developed and maintained by multiple authors and institutions.
- Technical infrastructure: Implementing online learning platforms and OER requires a significant investment in technical infrastructure, including hardware, software, and internet connectivity.
- Support services: Students may require additional support services, such as academic advising and technical support, to succeed in online courses.
Conclusion
The impact of open education on student retention is a complex and multifaceted issue, influenced by a range of factors including the quality of OER and online courses, the level of student support, and the technical infrastructure of the institution. While the benefits of open education are clear, there are also a number of challenges associated with implementing OER and online learning. By understanding these challenges and benefits, institutions can make informed decisions about how to implement open education and improve student retention.