OER refers to teaching, learning, and research resources that are freely available or have an open license allowing reuse. OERs include full courses, materials, modules, textbooks, videos, and other tools. They provide benefits like lower costs for students, less prep time for teachers, and access to teaching ideas. However, not all subjects or courses have quality OER content available, some resources rely on temporary grant funding, and users need to understand licensing. Overall, OERs are a valuable tool for educators by potentially saving time and allowing focus on other areas.
2. What is OER?
"OER are teaching, learning, and research resources that
reside in the public domain or have been released under
an intellectual property license that permits their free use
and re-purposing by others. Open educational resources
include full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks,
streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools,
materials, or techniques used to support access to
knowledge."
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
3. Open Educational Resources The Beneficial Properties
Easily accessible content
Lower supply costs for students
Less course prep time for teachers
Access to great teaching ideas
Tutorials for students to supplement course
4. Open Educational Resources The Problems
Some courses do not have OER resources
Not all OER courses have quality content
Some OER resources are Grant funded and may not have
sustainability
There is not a broad understanding of OER
Users need to have a thorough understanding of OER
licensure
5. Open Educational Resources are a great tool for
educators. Whether you pick and choose materials
or adapt an entire course it may just give you
enough time for an extra day at the beach!