Schoolfree

Schoolfree is a term used to describe a movement and accompanying platform aimed at delivering free, open access to educational resources and learning opportunities outside traditional paid schooling.

Origins and scope: The concept originated in the early 2010s among educators and technologists who advocated open educational resources (OER) and barrier-free learning. It evolved into a brand and platform that hosts textbooks, lecture videos, curricula, and assessment tools made available under permissive licenses such as Creative Commons.

Structure and offerings: The platform operates as a community-driven repository and learning hub. Resources are contributed by educators and institutions and can be used for self-directed study, classroom integration, or homeschooling. Materials are typically licensed to permit reuse, remix, and redistribution, and the platform supports offline access and translations.

Impact and reception: Schoolfree has been adopted by schools in low-income regions and by individual learners seeking low-cost education. Advocates credit it with expanding access and reducing student debt, while critics question long-term sustainability, quality assurance, and credentialing.

Governance and funding: Projects are usually run by non-profit organizations, educational coalitions, or collaborative consortia. Funding comes from donations, grants, partnerships with libraries or universities, and occasionally government support.

See also: Open Educational Resources, Free education movement, Massive Open Online Courses.