Skip to Main Content

Open Educational Resources (OERs)

What is OER?

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research materials available in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or are released under an open license. According to UNESCO, OERs allow no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, adaptation, and redistribution by others, helping to eliminate traditional copyright restrictions. These resources include textbooks, course readings, lesson plans, quizzes, videos, and other educational tools that promote the widespread sharing of knowledge.

The support for and creation of OERs have grown significantly in the past decade, driven by the need to reduce costs for students and expand access to quality education worldwide, especially in developing nations. The primary goal of OER is to make education more accessible, equitable, and customizable, enabling educators and learners to modify resources to suit diverse needs and learning contexts. This growing movement continues to challenge traditional educational barriers, providing high-quality resources without the financial constraints of conventional learning materials.

The 5rs

The 5R Permissions

 The 5Rs is a framework developed by David Wiley. To be considered OER, the material must have an open license. Open licenses enable what are called the 5R permissions:

  • Retain--The right to make, own, and control copies of the content. This means you can download, duplicate, store, and manage the resource as you wish.

  • Reuse--The right to use the content in a variety of ways. This can include using the resource in classrooms, on websites, in videos, or any other format that suits your needs.

  • Revise--The right to adapt, adjust, modify, or alter the content itself. You can change the content to better suit your needs, such as translating it into another language or updating it with new information.

  • Remix--The right to combine the original or revised content with other materials to create something new. For example, you can mix different OERs to create a custom curriculum or learning experience.

  • Redistribute--The right to share copies of the original content, your revisions, or your remixes with others. You can pass along the resource in its original form or in a modified version that better suits your audience.

(Defining the "Open" in Open Content and Open Educational Resources was written by David Wiley and published freely under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license at http://opencontent.org/definition/.)

Benefits of OER for Students

  • Cost savings: OER are free
  • Access: OER are accessible on day one and online
  • Different formats: OER are available in many different formats and can help with many different learning styles
  • Collaborative learning: OER allow you to engage with the material deeply
  • Lifelong learning:  Materials are yours forever

Benefits of OER for Faculty

  • Academic Freedom and Flexibility: OER means you can select, modify, and adapt resources to fit their specific teaching needs.

  • Customizable Content: OER allows faculty to mix and match materials from various sources, creating a more tailored and engaging curriculum that suits the needs of their students.

  • Enhanced Student Engagement: OER has the ability to incorporate multimedia elements like videos, simulations, and interactive content, faculty can design more dynamic and engaging learning experiences.

  • Up-to-Date Resources: OER make it easy to include the latest information, ensuring that course content remains current without waiting for new textbook editions.

  • Improved Access and Equity: By providing free access to course materials, you  can ensure all students have the resources they need from day one, giving equal access to all and supporting diverse learners.

  • Encourages Innovative Teaching: OER supports innovative teaching practices, such as flipped classrooms and active learning, allowing faculty to experiment with new pedagogical approaches.