Open Educational Resources (OERs) are any type of educational materials that are either in the public domain, or published under open licenses (e.g. Creative Commons) that specify how materials can be used, reused, adapted, shared and modified according to specific needs. They can include textbooks, lecture notes, syllabi, assignments and tests.
Advantages of using OERs
Free
Peer reviewed for quality, consistency and comprehensiveness
Flexibility
You could use an OER textbook that’s different from what other faculty use for the course
You could change OER materials outside the current 3-year adoption window
You could update the course material more frequently
You could edit the OER content. For example, you might modify it to increase the diversity and timeliness/relevance of content
Students can collaborate and contribute original content in OER creation which is a high impact practice
Data demonstrates that students using OER materials have better learning outcomes and higher retention rates than students using publisher-provided materials for purchase
Attribution
Danielle Theiss, Director of Library Services at Park University, created much of this content.
Why is OER important?
Reduces barrier to educational course materials (access and financial barriers) for students
Access to course materials on the first day of courses for improved learning outcomes
