The document discusses Open Educational Resources (OERs), which are educational materials like course modules, videos, and textbooks that are freely available online for anyone to use under an open license. It provides reasons to use OERs such as offering free resources to students, supplementing existing course material, and saving time by reusing quality materials created by others. It also notes some words of caution about OERs, such as ensuring the quality of materials used and educating others on the benefits of OERs. The document encourages opening the door to lifelong learning by sharing OERs with students.

1. Open Educational
Resources
PAMELA SEGERS
APRIL 2014

2. Opening Doors through OERs
 Open Educational Resources (OERs) are educational resources available
for use by others. These materials can be found in the Public Domain or
have been shared under an Open License:
Course Materials (or full courses)
Course Modules
Images
Tests / Quizzes
Videos
Textbooks

3. Reasons to Use…
 Offer free resources to your students.
 Supplement the material for your own course (traditional or online).
 No longer have to worry about tracking down copyright permissions or
worrying about intellectual property rights liability when searching for new
resources.
 Save yourself some time… no longer reinventing the wheel for certain
subject areas.
 Spice up your course! OERs allow access to quality modules and video
lectures on pertinent topics for your course.

4. Words of Caution…
 Do a critical review of the material you intend to use (Quality Control
Assurance is also peace of mind). Make sure you review it completely.
 Some topics are limited – You may have to create some material to share
yourself through OER.
 You may need to educate others (students, Administration) on the benefits
and quality of OERs for them to embrace its use.
 OERs are only about ten years old – sites will have to be maintained to
keep information updated and fresh.
 Creative Commons are Non-revocable – once you create and put out
there, it is there. Be happy with your final product.

5. The Door is Open…Walk on In!
 We have a social responsibility to assist our students in becoming Lifelong
Learners. What better way than to share Open Educational Resources
with them!
 Open the Door to Lifelong Learning!