Module 1: Introduction to OER
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Define Open Educational Resources (OER)
Describe the 5R permissions
Identify examples of OER types
Recognize the role licensing plays in OER
Outline the history of OER
What are Open Educational Resources (OER)?
The nonprofit organization Creative Commons provides the following definition of open educational resources (OER):
“Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research materials that are either (a) in the public domain or (b) licensed in a manner that provides everyone with free and perpetual permission to engage in the 5R activities.”
The key distinguishing factor, of this type of educational resource, is the copyright status of the material. If course content is under a traditional, all-rights-reserved copyright, then it’s not an OER. If it resides in the public domain or has been licensed for adaptation and distribution, then it is an OER.
The 5R permissions are what make OER different from material which is copyrighted under traditional, all-rights-reserved copyright. Open in open educational resources doesn’t simply equate to being free; in fact, it more accurately can be described as:
open = free + permissions (the 5Rs)
The 5Rs are a useful way to appreciate the value of OER. These permissions help you, the user of openly licensed content, understand what you are allowed to do with the work. These permissions are granted in advance and are legally established through Public Domain or Creative Commons license which we will discuss in more in module 4:
Revise
The right to adapt, adjust, modify, or alter the content itself (e.g., translate the content into another language).
Remix
The right to combine the original or revised content with other material to create something new (e.g., incorporate the content into a mashup).
Reuse
The right to use the content in a wide range of ways (e.g., in a class, in a study group, on a website, in a video).
Retain
The right to make, own, and control copies of the content (e.g., download, duplicate, store, and manage).
Redistribute
The right to share copies of the original content, your revisions, or your remixes with others (e.g., give a copy of the content to a friend).
OER Examples
Open Courses &
Learning Modules
Open Textbooks
Videos
Simulations & Games
There are many different formats of OER in addition to the categories above. OER include (but are not limited to): syllabi, lesson plans, learning modules, lab experiments, simulations, course videos, images, assessments, course design templates, textbooks, and full courses.
History of OER
OER's are evolving all of the time. Review this Short History of OER below.
"Short History of OER" by Lillian Hogendoorn, eCampus Ontario H5P Studio, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Activity: Check Your Knowledge
Check your knowledge of this module by completing the What is OER question set below.
"What is OER" by Rama Kaba-Demanin, eCampus Ontario H5P Studio, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Additional Resources
Bliss, T. J., and Smith, M. (2017). A Brief History of Open Educational Resources. In: Jhangiani, R S and Biswas-Diener, R. (eds.) Open: The Philosophy and Practices that are Revolutionizing Education and Science. (pp. 9–27). London: Ubiquity Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/bbc.b.
Wiley, D. (2020, January 16). Clarifying and Strengthening the 5Rs. Iterating Towards Openness: Pragmatism Before Zeal. https://opencontent.org/blog/archives/6271
Attributions
Information for this module was consulted and adapted from:
"Defining the "Open" in Open Content and Open Educational Resources" by David Wiley is licensed under CC BY 4.0
"Defining OER" in Welcome to Understanding OER, by SUNY OER Services is licensed under CC BY 4.0
"Defining Open Educational Resources" by William Meinke is licensed under CC BY 4.0
"What is OER" by The Council of Chief State School Officers is licensed under CC BY 4.0