Open educational resource (OER) textbooks and traditional textbooks both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of OER textbooks:
Cost: OER textbooks are typically free to access and use, which can save students and educators a significant amount of money.
Customization: OER textbooks can be easily customized to fit the specific needs of a course or curriculum.
Accessibility: OER textbooks are typically available online, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Multimodal learning: OER textbooks often include multimedia resources such as videos, images, and interactive tools, which can enhance the learning experience.
Collaboration: OER textbooks are created and maintained by a community of educators, which allows for ongoing collaboration and improvement of the resources.
Advantages of traditional textbooks:
Physical books: Traditional textbooks are available in physical format and can be easily referenced.
Familiarity: Traditional textbooks are what most students are accustomed to using, and may feel more comfortable with.
Widely adopted: Traditional textbooks are widely adopted in schools and universities, which can make it easier for educators to plan their curriculum.
Quality control: Traditional textbooks go through a rigorous editing and quality control process before being published, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information.
In conclusion, OER textbooks and traditional textbooks both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It's important to consider the specific needs of the course or curriculum and the preferences of the students when deciding which type of textbook to use.