Open Educational Resources, commonly called OER, are freely accessible teaching and learning materials that can be used, adapted, and shared. They may include textbooks, course modules, readings, assignments, videos, datasets, quizzes, and other educational materials that are in the public domain or made available under an open license.
Whether you are interested in replacing an expensive textbook, adapting existing materials for your students, or creating a new resource for your discipline, University Library is here to help. We offer consultations, workshops, funding opportunities, and project support to help IU Indianapolis instructors find, evaluate, adopt, adapt, and create OER.
Why Use OER?
OER can help instructors:
- Reduce the cost of required course materials
- Give students immediate access to learning materials
- Customize content to better fit course objectives
- Revise materials as courses and disciplines evolve
- Collaborate with colleagues within and beyond IU Indianapolis
- Share teaching materials that can benefit learners around the world
First Steps
Whether you're exploring ways to reduce textbook costs, redesign a course, or create your own open resource, University Library is here to help. If you're new to OER, a great place to start is by exploring existing resources that you can adopt or adapt for your course.
There are several ways to begin your OER journey:
- Explore the OER LibGuide to discover repositories and open educational resources curated by discipline. Many instructors find an existing OER that meets their needs or serves as a starting point for adaptation.
- Attend Open Education Week (held each year during the first week of March). The week features workshops, presentations, and discussions designed to help you learn about OER, connect with colleagues, and explore new approaches to affordable course materials.
- Schedule a consultation with the OER Librarian to discuss your course, project ideas, or questions about finding, adopting, adapting, or creating OER.
Get Recognition for Your OER Project
University Library provides financial support and recognition for the adoption, adaption, and creation. The OER Development Grant provides funding and hands-on support to IU Indianapolis instructors (faculty and staff). Grant recipients receive guidance with areas such as project planning, copyright, open licensing, accessibility, and assessing the student experience. Applications typically open in the Fall semester.
The IU Indianapolis Open Education Award recognizes faculty and staff whose use of free, open, digital materials contributes to student success with a financial stipend and plaque. Eligible work may include open textbooks, course modules, assignments, audiovisual materials, datasets, and other openly licensed educational resources. Individuals, groups, and collaborative teams may be nominated.