What are Open Educational Resources (OER)?
"Open Educational Resources (OERs) are any type of educational materials that are in the public domain or introduced with an open license. The nature of these open materials means that anyone can legally and freely copy, use, adapt and re-share them. OERs range from textbooks to curricula, syllabi, lecture notes, assignments, tests, projects, audio, video and animation" (UNESCO).
Typically, a Creative Commons license tells instructors and students what they can do with the material without seeking additional permission from the copyright holder, as permission has already been given. This lets users download, share, and sometimes remix or edit content without having to pay a fee. Learn how this works under "What are open textbooks?"
As of May 2019:
UT students are saving $816,600 this year thanks to open textbooks and OER!
Find out who has adopted open textbooks at UT. The list includes faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences; College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Haslam College of Business; Herbert College of Agriculture; and Tickle College of Engineering.
Open Textbooks
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How are open textbooks different from textbooks in the Inclusive Access program?
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UT is a member of the Open Textbook Network. What does that mean?
Answer: The Libraries joined the OTN on behalf of the university in 2016, helping us work with other member institutions (such as NC State and Virginia Tech) to support the adoption and creation of open textbooks.
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What if I've adopted an open textbook?
Answer: If you've adopted an open textbook, tell us using this form. The data will help us build and improve campus resources that support open education. The information will be shared with the Student Government Association, too.
Open Educational Resources (OERs)
UT SGA Open Education Awards
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Who has received the SGA Open Education Award?
Grants at UT
The Open Textbook/OER Grant Program is currently accepting proposals until March 20, 2020. General information about the recipients and funded projects of previous recipients is available.
Workshops and Additional Information
Workshops on open educational resources, including open textbooks, are offered by the Office of Information Technology as well as the University Libraries. Check UT's workshop registration system for upcoming workshops.
General information on licensing, copyright, and open textbooks may be directed to Rachel Caldwell in the Scholars' Collaborative, part of the University Libraries.
For additional information, please contact any member of UT's Open Education Working Group:
- Teresa Berry, University Libraries
- Rachel Caldwell, Scholars' Collaborative, University Libraries (chair)
- Jennifer Gramling, Director of Online Programs, Teaching and Learning Innovation
- Stan Guffey, Senior Lecturer, College of Arts & Sciences
- Miriam Larson, Instructional Support, Office of Information Technology
- Molly Royse, University Libraries
- Anna Sandelli, University Libraries
- Elizabeth Spica, Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Introduction to OER
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UTK PresentationWhat are Open Educational Resources (OERs)? Why are they important, and where can you find them for your course? Led by Elizabeth Spica, doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, find the answers and learn how the UT Open Textbook/OER Grant Program can help support your course’s transition to OER.
OER at UT
What's Happening on Campus?
The Libraries joined the Open Textbook Network on behalf of the university in 2016. Find out what we've been up to since then on this page.