Open Educational Resources (OER) are "teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under a license that permits their free use, reuse, modification, and sharing with others." (, 2017). OER come in many types and formats of resources including:
Textbooks / Courses / Course Materials / Lesson Plans / Videos / Tests / Software / & more
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- Cost Savings – OER eliminate the cost of textbooks and educational materials, making education more affordable for students.
- Accessibility – These resources are available online, ensuring that anyone with internet access can use them.
- Customization & Adaptability – Educators can modify OER to suit specific teaching needs and update them as necessary.
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing – OER encourage global collaboration among educators and institutions.
- Increased Learning Opportunities – Learners from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality educational materials at no cost.
- Support for Lifelong Learning – People outside formal education can use OER to continue learning new skills and knowledge.
- Diversity & Inclusion – OER can be translated and adapted to different cultural and linguistic contexts, promoting inclusivity.
Appointed by the Provost, members of the OER Committee establish overall policy and guidelines for the implementation and expansion of OER course materials.
Members include:Ìý
- M’Hammed Abdous, Center for Faculty Development, Co-Chair
- Marissa Jimenez, Office of Academic Innovation and Learning Support, Co-Chair Andrew Bennett, Strome College of Business
- Elizabeth Burns, Darden College of Education and Professional StudiesÌý
- Amber Gruszeczka, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Libraries
- Shannon Hurt, Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Services Eva Maddox, Ellmer College of Health Sciences
- Christine Matthews, Division of Digital Transformation and Technology Benjamin Melusky, College of Arts and Letters
- Janet Moloney, College of Sciences
- Dimitrie Popescu, Batten College of Engineering and Technology Kristyn Rose, Division of Digital Transformation and Technology Suzanne Van Orden, Ellmer School of Nursing
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