Perceptions and Contribution Motivation of Instructors on Their Production and Use of Open Course Materials

Ensuring the active participation of faculty members in the open education movement should be a clear priority for higher education institutions aiming to stand out in the area of Open Education. This research was designed to determine the perceptions of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ) faculty members regarding making their course materials freely accessible, and their motivation to participate in the associated institutional practices. Formed as part of a project supported by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit, the study aimed to assess faculty members’ perceptions and motivations related to open education and open educational resources. Conducted as a case study, the research involved 21 voluntary participants from a group of 230 faculty members from whom data were collected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participant faculty members who worked within 11 different faculties located at MSKÜ’s central campus. The interviewed participants emphasised their need for professional support, collaboration, and the necessary time to develop and disseminate open course materials. Participants who were cautious about copyright issues also stressed the importance of technological and institutional support, along with incentives and teamwork. Higher education institutions were considered to play a significant role in the dissemination and improvement of open educational resources and practices due to their mission to produce and spread knowledge.