“Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that are free of cost and access barriers, and which also carry legal permission for open use. Generally, this permission is granted by use of an open license (for example, Creative Commons licenses) which allow anyone to freely use, adapt, and share the resource-anytime, anywhere.” https://sparcopen.org/open-education/
Advantages of Using OER:
Free
Peer reviewed for quality, consistency and comprehensiveness
Flexibility
You could use an OER textbook that’s different from what other faculty use forthe 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 thediversity and timeliness/relevance of content
Students can collaborate and contribute original content in OER creation which is a highimpact practice
Data demonstrates that students using OER materials have better learning outcomesand higher retention rates than students using publisher-provided materials for purchase
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
Free, open to all...keep indefinitely
Low cost printing, at cost of printing only
State of IL - Current legislation (SB3856) - would force universities to offer textbooks for free