Open Educational Resources for Undergraduate Neuroscience Education

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience Education
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Traditional textbooks present financial barriers for many undergraduate students, particularly first-generation students, students of color, and those on financial aid.
• These financial burdens can prevent timely access to essential materials, increase student stress, and negatively impact academic performance.

Discussion:

• Open Educational Resources (OER) offer a solution by providing free, high-quality neuroscience textbooks and ancillary materials.
• Implementing OER can alleviate financial stress, reduce drop, fail, and withdraw (DFW) rates, and improve student-teacher relationships.
• OER adoption supports equitable access to education and enhances the overall learning experience in neuroscience.

Key Insights:

• Free OER neuroscience textbooks are crucial for student success.
• OER reduces financial barriers and improves academic outcomes.
• Accessible educational materials foster equity in higher education.

Outlook:

• Continued development and community contributions to OER are essential.
• Expanding OER initiatives can further promote educational equity in STEM fields.
• OER has the potential to transform neuroscience education and beyond.