Perceptions and Attitudes of Teacher Educators towards the Integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) in Teacher Education Programs in Telangana State

Abstract

This study investigates teacher educators' understanding and attitudes of Open Educational Resources (OER) integration in Telangana teacher education programs, with a focus on variances in educational qualifications and teaching experience. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data acquired via an organized survey from 150 teacher educators at six state universities utilizing stratified random sampling. Results showed that 66% of teacher educators had medium to high OER awareness, though 34% reported inadequate awareness. ANOVA analysis identified considerable variations in the consciousness based on educational credentials (F = 7.687, p =.006), with UGC-NET/Ph.D.-qualified educators performing better. However, teaching experience had no significant influence on perceptions (F = 1.666, p =.199). The study results emphasize the role of advanced academic credentials in OER adoption and highlight the need for targeted training to improved integration, particularly among educators who have inadequate qualifications, to advance equitable and innovative professional competencies and skills required for 21^st century.