What the study found
The review found that open educational resources, or OER—teaching and learning materials that are openly available for use and adaptation—were linked with better student engagement, academic performance, and equity in higher education. It also found that adoption was often limited by resistance, low awareness, infrastructure gaps, fragmented repositories, and policy deficiencies.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that strategic, policy-driven adoption positions OER as a foundational element of inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven higher education ecosystems. The study suggests that OER may support broader access and pedagogical innovation.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on OER in higher education published between 2015 and 2026. They searched Scopus, Web of Science, Taylor & Francis, and Google Scholar, and included 36 studies after screening and eligibility assessment.
What worked and what didn't
The review reported that OER, including open textbooks, full courses, multimedia, and interactive modules, were associated with improved engagement, academic performance, and equity through the 5Rs framework: retain, reuse, revise, remix, and redistribute. It also found that effective implementation required institutional mandates, professional development, quality assurance mechanisms, and technical investment.
What to keep in mind
The summary reports a systematic review of existing studies, so the findings depend on the available literature it included. The abstract does not describe study-by-study limitations or whether the reviewed evidence was consistent across all contexts.
Key points
- The review included 36 peer-reviewed studies on OER in higher education.
- OER were associated with better student engagement, academic performance, and equity.
- Adoption barriers included faculty resistance, limited awareness, infrastructure gaps, fragmented repositories, and policy deficiencies.
- The review says implementation works best with institutional mandates, professional development, quality assurance, and technical investment.
- The authors frame OER as part of an inclusive, sustainable, innovation-driven higher education ecosystem.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- OER adoption in higher education improved engagement and performance
- Authors:
- Pooja Bagewadi, Somanagouda Shankargouda Patil, Supriya Jnaneshwar Kamble, Shreeshail Naik
- Institutions:
- Desh Bhagat Ayurvedic College and Hospital, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, Rani Channamma University, Belagavi
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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