The following organizations are dedicating to supporting OER and facilitating their use in academia. If you'd like to further support open learning, please visit their websites. Some resources also go beyond this guide to give more extensive information on OER.
You might be wondering about your rights as a faculty member. How might OER you create or redistribute increase your impact? What copyright concerns should you have? Do OER "count" as publications? Many of these questions are still being explored. Many of these resources help explain why:
Traditional Textbooks vs. OER: What's the same and What's different
| Traditional Textbook | Open Textbook | Open Educational Resource (OER) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
What is its purpose? |
Provides basic course content for student reading and reference | Provides basic course content for student reading and reference | Provides basic course content for student reading and reference |
| What does it look like? | A single one-size fits all book (or e-book) |
A) A single book (or e-book) adopted as-is B) A single book (or e-book) adopted with customization by the instructor |
A) An online collection of resources curated, remixed and customized by the instructor B) The same as (A) above, in printable format for those students who prefer print |
| How does an instructor choose it? |
A) Through evaluation of sample copy provided by the publisher, in print or online B) Peer review by publisher often assumed by not shared. |
A) Through evaluation of free online copy. In some cases a print sample copy is available B) Peer reviews often available. |
A) Through searching and evaluating component resources found in OER repositories. Search is based on specific learning outcomes and content needs defined by the instructor B) Peer reviews are often available |
| How is it adopted by an instructor? | Selection is made and approved by colleagues, department head and/or dean, depending on the policies of the college. The bookstore is also included and notified of the changes to text selection | Selection is made and approved by colleagues, department head and/or dean, depending on the policies of the college. The bookstore is also included and notified of the changes to text selection | Selection is made and approved by colleagues, department head and/or dean, depending on the policies of the college. The bookstore is also included and notified of the changes to text selection |
| How do students use it? |
A) Students bring the text (or e-book equivalent) to class and back as needed B) Students may choose to read and annotate in print or with a mobile device |
A) Students bring the text (or e-book equivalent) to class and back as needed B) Students may choose to read and annotate in print or with a mobile device C) Customization ensures that the book is only as big as it needs to be |
A) Students print those portions that are needed for the class B) Students may choose to read and annotate in print or with a mobile device C) Customization ensures that the resources shared are relevant to the course |
| How much do students pay? | The average cost of a college textbook is around $175 per course |
A) Free for online access B) Around $30-$60 for printed and bound copies, or cost of printing PDF |
A) Free for online access B) Cost of printing PDF |
Note: This comparison chart was adapted from the guide on open textbooks by Kate Hess from Kirkwood Community College Library
Note: This graphic was created by the University of Minnesota Libraries.
