Open Educational Resources (OER)

Introduction

Instructional Technology Resource Center (ITRC) supports ISU faculty to explore and research the possibility of high quality, innovative learning materials to increase student learning and engagement.  By adapting, revising and creating OER materials is a lower-cost option for faculty to improve teaching and students' learning.

As the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation explains, 

OER is teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license that permits their free use and re-purposing by others.  

OER is primarily developed and utilized to enhance student learning, and to reduce the cost of course-related materials for students (e.g., via ‘open texts’). OER is also used by faculty and staff at universities to enhance efficiency and student engagement, alter and improve reputations, enhance technological momentum and personalize learning. 

OER formats include both digital and traditional (printable) formats, though digital formats are clearly gaining ground given how easily they can be placed on accessible platforms and shared within the public sphere (including between instructors). 

OER components include but not limited to: 

• Images

• Videos, video tutorials or lectures

• Audio podcasts, tutorials or lectures

• Interactive games and simulations

• Infographics

• E-books/open texts

• Quizzes

• Whole courses

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