OER, AI, and the New Reality of Learning Resources
Mar 18, 2026The conversation around learning resources in higher education has shifted dramatically in just a few years.
What once revolved around textbooks, publishers, and procurement cycles now includes Open Educational Resources, state-funded initiatives, and—most recently—generative AI. The tools have changed. The pace has accelerated. The expectations are higher.
In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Andrea Dunn helps ground that shift in reality.
She describes how OER initiatives didn’t appear overnight. They grew through intentional investment by states and institutions trying to balance access, affordability, and quality. What made these efforts successful wasn’t simply cost savings—it was alignment with learning outcomes and institutional values.
AI now adds a new layer of complexity.
Andrea is clear: AI can be a powerful starting point for discovery, synthesis, and communication—but it does not replace human judgment. Licensing, accessibility, accuracy, and relevance still matter. Just because a resource appears quickly doesn’t mean it belongs in a learning environment.
That tension defines the current moment.
The payoff for leaders is perspective. Tools will continue to evolve. What remains constant is the responsibility to curate learning experiences thoughtfully. When AI and OER are used as complements—guided by librarians, faculty, and learning designers—they expand possibility rather than dilute quality.
This episode reminds us that innovation is not about chasing what’s new. It’s about integrating what’s useful without abandoning what’s essential.
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