Open Educational Resources (OER)

According to UNESCO, Open Educational Resources are "learning, teaching and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or are under copyright that have been released under an open license, that permit no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, adaptation and redistribution by others." OER freely grant permission to engage in the "5R" activities as described by David Wiley:

1. Retain – make, own, and control a copy of the resource (e.g., download and keep your own copy)
2. Revise – edit, adapt, and modify your copy of the resource (e.g., translate into another language)
3. Remix – combine your original or revised copy of the resource with other existing material to create something new (e.g., make a mashup)
4. Reuse – use your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource publicly (e.g., on a website, in a presentation, in a class)
5. Redistribute – share copies of your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource with others (e.g., post a copy online or give one to a friend)

OER include not only open textbooks, but also lesson plans, lectures, videos, quizzes, and other educational materials.

• Cost savings for students
  • OER are free to use and download. With the cost of textbooks rising, OER can reduce the financial burden on students by replacing traditional, expensive textbooks. 
• Access from Day One
  • OER are available online from the first day of class, ensuring that students have immediate access to required resources without delays. 
• Resources that can be adapted
  • OER offer flexibility for instructors to tailor content to meet their students' unique needs and to align with their curriculum and learning objectives. 
• Diverse learning materials
  • OER include more than just textbooks - they encompass a wide range of materials such as multimedia content, quizzes, videos, and more. This diversity allows instructors to choose resources that best suit their teaching methods and students' learning styles.