Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the OER issues and problems experienced by social scientists at select higher educational institutions in India. In addition, the study also focuses on to create awareness about the concept and recommends some points to improve the OER practice.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The relevant data for the study was obtained through a well-structured questionnaire followed by personal interview wherever it was required. The well-structured & precise questionnaire was distributed to 300 social scientists (research scholars and faculty) of different higher educational institutes such as University of Delhi (DU), Mizoram University (MZU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI), selected through purposive random sampling. In addition to this, the bibliographical data were recorded in MS-Excel sheet 2007 for tabulation, analysis and interpretation purpose. Further, the chi square test was applied using the application software i.e. SPSS to draw the results.
Findings: The response rate was 86.67% in total that include 91.33% male and 82% female respondents. The respondents were found very enthusiastic in responding the questionnaire. Further, the study also finds that majority of the social scientist are aware about the concept open educational resources (OER).
Research Limitations/Implications: The scope of the study is confined to the social scientists (research scholars and faculty) of University of Delhi (DU), Mizoram University (MZU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI) and research results are limited to this only.
Originality/Value: The study stress upon the concept of open educational resources with regard to its issues and problems experienced by social scientists. The area of the study is still untouched here in India that makes the study unique in itself and opens the path to make the concept of OER to get the momentum here in India also as in developed countries the OER movement has already reached at advanced level.
Paper Type: Research Paper