About OER
Open educational resources (OER) are educational materials that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license. This permits them to be freely used, changed and shared with others. OER includes everything from images and videos to textbooks, lab activities and course curriculums.
5 Rs of OER
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Retain
Users have the right to make, archive and own copies of the content.
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Reuse
Content can be reused in its unaltered form.
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Revise
Content can be adapted, adjusted, modified and altered.
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Remix
Content can be combined with other content to create something new.
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Redistribute
Content can be shared in its original, revised or remixed form.
Definition
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Open Educational Resources are teaching, learning and research materials in any medium – digital or otherwise – that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions.
Why choose OER
Affordability
Students that can’t afford their textbooks don’t buy them, and they are more likely to drop classes or not enroll in future classes. OER are free, high-quality resources that you use to help students learn and stay in class and college.
Equitability
Every student has access to their open textbook from day one of class. No delays due to shipping or financial aid. No one gets left behind based on their ability to buy a textbook.
Sustainability
OER can be updated frequently and customized without the need to print new editions and waste paper resources. Access is instantaneous and results in zero emissions from shipping copies around the world.
Why create OER
Creating an open educational resource not only provides your students with high-quality learning content, but it helps students everywhere. Developing resources with this level of reach and impact can be a valuable addition to your professional profile.
Get help
Need help getting started with OER?
Michele Behr, our scholarly communications and open educational resources librarian, is here to point you in the right direction, help you figure out what to do next, and answer your questions.
