The Living Textbook: Open Educational Resources for Engagement, Equity, and Inclusion to Support Student Learning Outcomes and Retention in an Entry-Point Course at an Asynchronous Online University

Abstract

The online open-access university in this study has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as values to be woven consciously throughout all student-facing initiatives. In support of the institution’s mission to “transform the higher education landscape and make it accessible to everyone, no matter their background or circumstance,” the GEN 101 Open Educational Resources Pilot project was initiated. Open Educational Resources (OER) (such as textbooks, supplemental materials, resources, etc.) also support the institution's mission by providing cost-saving learning materials that will remain accessible to students for perpetuity. The key objectives of the study were to create relatable and inclusive materials that increased a sense of belonging and to determine the effectiveness of OER on student retention and student learning outcomes. As a result, the GEN 101 OER Pilot Project team created a repository of OER for this entry-point course that was relevant, current, and reflective of the needs of diverse open-access students that supported student learning outcomes and faculty classroom engagement. Keywords: open educational resources, OER, open access, entry point, online education, DEI