Enabling conditions for the successful integration of open educational resources for professional development in a developing context institution

Abstract

There is evidence in literature to support the fact that the availability of enabling conditions is a critical requirement for Open Educational Resources to be successfully institutionalised. Several initiatives have been undertaken collaboratively in different countries to aid this process. In this field note, the researchers share findings from an investigation into the enabling conditions for the successful integration of OER for the professional development of lecturers at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Data was collected from a sample of 23 lecturers (from seven academic departments), who participated in the institutional situational analysis workshop. The study used a questionnaire that included close-ended (structured) (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.7) and open-ended questions adapted by OER Africa. Findings suggest that there are several opportunities at the institution, despite the prevalent challenges. The authors therefore provide some recommendations, which should be helpful to other institutions that experience similar challenges.