Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that are free, accessible, and openly licensed. OER can include textbooks, syllabi, lecture notes/presentations, assignments/assessments, videos/podcasts, and other types of teaching materials.
OER are assigned Creative Commons (CC) licenses which legally allow for their open reuse and adaptation by others. Depending on the specific CC license, other users can freely reuse, revise, remix, and/or redistribute OER content.
The Salmon Library can support instructors interested in finding, adapting, or creating OER for use in their courses. We can also assist with finding and curating other types of affordable learning materials. Please contact April Urban (april.urban@uah.edu) to talk about how OER or affordable learning materials can fit into your teaching.
How are OER different from other free Internet resources?
Much of the information on the Internet is completely free for anyone with a connection. However, many free resources on the Web do not have clear guidelines for reuse, or they may be restricted or removed at any time. OER are also free, but they are distinct from other online resources because they are openly licensed. This license means the resource will stay open and it indicates how it may be reused or modified by others. OER are also findable in many repositories for open resources.
What about other affordable learning materials, such as library resources?
Besides OER, there are many available options for free or low-cost learning materials. Such materials include resources in the public domain, digital library collections, or Salmon Library resources.
Salmon Library resources may consist of, for example, streaming video on a database like Academic Video Online or Kanopy, or an electronic version of an academic monograph that many students can access at once.
Any of these affordable learning materials are great alternatives to traditional textbooks, as they reduce costs and increase access for students. The most suitable resource for your course will depend on your specific learning outcomes.
