International Journal of Open Educational Resources • Vol . 4 , No . 1 • Spring / Summer 2021
The Impact of Free and Open Educational Resource Adoption on Community College Student Achievement and Course Withdrawal Rates
Megan Dempsey Raritan Valley Community College
Abstract
This study examines the impact of free and open educational resource ( OER ) adoption on end-of-semester grades and withdrawal rates of community college students . Performance data for 1,209 students in seven courses were analyzed to determine if there was a significant impact of OER on student performance and persistence for all students and for Pell grant recipients , part-time , first-time and non-white students . Results found no significant difference on end-of-semester grades between students in OER courses and those in courses using a traditional textbook . In addition , no significant difference was found based on Pell grant status , part-time status , or full-time status . However , significant differences in withdrawal rates and end-of-semester grades exist based on ethnicity . When Hispanic students persist in OER courses to the same extent as their white peers , they are more likely to achieve a higher grade than Hispanic peers in non-OER courses . Yet Hispanic students withdrew from OER courses at higher rates than all other ethnicities . Black / African American students persist in OER courses at a higher rate than Hispanic students but receive lower final grade averages in these courses . The current research and findings are a valuable contribution to the body of research on adopting free and open resources at the community college level and suggest future areas of study regarding OER and non-white populations .
Keywords : community colleges ; student achievement ; withdrawal rates ; marginalized populations ; OER efficacy ; underserved students
45 doi : 10.18278 / ijoer . 4.1.5