To fully understand perceptions held by students is more than likely an unattainable goal.
Survey design is critical to a worthwhile study and pilot testing is important even if it takes more
time. This researcher sought to gain insight into six of the multitude of characteristics that make
each of us unique human beings. Specifically, the researcher sought insight into perceptions of
OER, always keeping in mind that, as humans being, our perceptions are influenced by our dayto-day
experiences. As the findings suggest, the perspectives related to OER are similarly openminded.
Students are still making up their minds about OER. Institutions of higher education
interested in decreasing the financial burden caused by textbooks may consider using OER in
select courses and determine for themselves whether full implementation is worthwhile. It should
also be noted that the number of people who are willing to share their course-related materials