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Â鶹´«Ã½ 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.

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 Â鶹´«Ã½s learn and stay in class and college.

Equitability

Every Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½s with high-quality learning content, but it helps Â鶹´«Ã½s everywhere. Developing resources with this level of reach and impact can be a valuable addition to your professional profile.

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.

Want to learn more about OER?