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Open Access and Copyright

An introduction to open access and copyright.
Open Educational Resources

Open Educational Resources (OER) are freely accessible, openly licensed teaching, learning, and research materials that can be used, adapted, and shared with minimal or no restrictions. These resources include textbooks, lesson plans, syllabi, lecture notes, assessments, multimedia content, and other educational tools. OER have evolved because 1) educational resources are primarily digital, allowing them to be stored, copied, and distributed at little to no cost; 2) the internet facilitates easy sharing of digital content with the public; and 3) CC licenses enable educators to retain copyright and legally share their materials worldwide.

OER are typically governed by Creative Commons (CC) licenses or similar open licenses that allow users to retain, reuse, revise, remix, and redistribute materials, often referred to as the "5Rs of OER":

  1. Retain - Download and keep copies.
  2. Reuse - Use the content in various ways.
  3. Revise - Adapt, modify, or update the content.
  4. Remix - Combine with other materials to create new resources.
  5. Redistribute - Share the original or adapted materials with others.

By reducing cost barriers and promoting knowledge sharing, OER enhance accessibility, equity, and innovation in education. OER are essential for both faculty and students because they enhance access, affordability, and flexibility in education.

Benefits for faculty:

  1. Cost-free teaching materials - OER reduce the financial burden on faculty and institutions by providing free, high-quality instructional resources.
  2. Customizability and flexibility - Faculty can modify, adapt, and remix OER to better fit their course objectives, teaching styles, and student needs.
  3. Improved student outcomes - Studies show that students perform as well or better when using OER, as they have access to course materials from day one.
  4. Encourages innovation in teaching - Open licensing allows faculty to experiment with new teaching approaches and create more engaging learning experiences.
  5. Supports open scholarship - Using and contributing to OER aligns with open-access principles, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration across institutions.

Benefits for Students:

  1. Eliminates cost barriers - OER provide free access to textbooks and learning materials, reducing financial stress and increasing educational equity.
  2. Ensures immediate and lifelong access - Students can access OER anytime without expiration, supporting both current coursework and lifelong learning.
  3. Encourages active learning - Many OER include interactive and multimedia components that enhance student engagement and comprehension.
  4. Supports diverse learning needs - OER can be adapted for different learning styles, accessibility needs, and cultural contexts.
  5. Increases retention and success - When students don’t have to choose between buying textbooks and meeting other financial needs, they are more likely to stay enrolled and succeed academically.