How Can Open Educational Resources Promote Equity in Education?

Abstract

Currently, the growth and development of Open Educational Resources (OER) offers the opportunity to improve access to and transfer of knowledge and information. As such, the adoption of OER has often been associated with social equity, as it helps students overcome educational inequalities regarding access, participation, and results in the various formal learning contexts. This document therefore explores how OER can be used to promote social inclusion and equitable access to education. A literature review was carried out that analysed 20 documents on the promotion of equity in education through OER, identifying the opportunities and barriers in this regard and concluding that the use of OER in education must always consider the needs of students in order to truly contribute to equity. With this in mind, a number of strategies were identified, such as the provision of Internet and ICT, the development of digital literacy programmes and training and guidance in searching and filtering OER, to maximize the potential of OER in promoting equity, in order to achieve inclusive, equitable and quality learning and education.