OERs

Open Educational Resources, or OERs, are teaching, learning, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or are released under an open license. This license permits no-cost access to, and reuse of, the material by others. OERs can include full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks, videos, tests, software, and any other tools or techniques that support access to knowledge. The key characteristic of OERs is their openness, allowing for free access, use, adaptation, and redistribution with minimal restrictions.

The concept of OERs emerged from the open access movement and the broader open education movement. They aim to democratize education by making high-quality learning materials accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or geographical location. This can significantly reduce the cost of education for students and institutions. Furthermore, OERs promote innovation and collaboration within the educational community, as educators can build upon existing resources, adapt them to their specific needs, and share their improvements with others. Many universities and organizations are actively developing and curating OERs, making them available through various platforms and repositories.