Open Educational Resources (OER) Student Guide: Benefits

Why Choose an OER Class?

OER can benefit students in a variety of ways. 

Some of primary benefits include:

• Significant Cost Savings - Students know how expensive and cost-prohibitive textbooks can be.  OER provides no-cost or low-cost course materials, that can make higher education accessible and affordable for everyone.
  • Time Saver - No more spending hours looking through second hand bookseller sites trying to find a cheaper textbook.
• Flexible - OER provides flexibility for all learning styles.  Students have the option of electronic content, or they can print a hard copy of the material. Instructors can modify or customize the material to best suit the needs of their students, and embody the nature of their course.
  • Accessibility -  The same material can be presented in multiple ways using print, audio, video, and interactive technology. This is a result of the shared nature of the content, as instructors or institutions do not have to pay to use each variation of the content.

Lasting Benefits of Using OER!

OER is the gift that keeps on giving.

Am I allowed to keep and share the course materials?

• Open and Available to Everyone - No more returning back textbooks at the end of the semester and losing access to course materials.
  • OER material can be retained and shared in accordance with the specifics of the licensing agreement. Most OER materials are developed under a Creative Commons license.
    • While there are some restrictions that the creator can impose, the exact nature of the Creative Commons license can be found on the website: http://creativecommons.org/licenses. OER material can be retained and shared in accordance with the specifics of the licensing agreement.