Open Educational Resources (OER) are "teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under a license that permits their free use, reuse, modification, and sharing with others." (, 2017). OER come in many types and formats of resources including:
Textbooks / Courses / Course Materials / Lesson Plans / Videos / Tests / Software / & more
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- Cost Savings – OER eliminate the cost of textbooks and educational materials, making education more affordable for students.
- Accessibility – These resources are available online, ensuring that anyone with internet access can use them.
- Customization & Adaptability – Educators can modify OER to suit specific teaching needs and update them as necessary.
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing – OER encourage global collaboration among educators and institutions.
- Increased Learning Opportunities – Learners from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality educational materials at no cost.
- Support for Lifelong Learning – People outside formal education can use OER to continue learning new skills and knowledge.
- Diversity & Inclusion – OER can be translated and adapted to different cultural and linguistic contexts, promoting inclusivity.
Appointed by the žžÀ², members of the OER Committee establish overall policy and guidelines for the implementation and expansion of OER course materials.
Members include:Ìý
- M’Hammed Abdous, Center for Faculty Development, Co-Chair
- Marissa Jimenez, Office of Academic Innovation and Learning Support, Co-Chair Andrew Bennett, Strome College of Business
- Elizabeth Burns, Darden College of Education and Professional StudiesÌý
- Amber Gruszeczka, University Libraries
- Shannon Hurt, Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Services Eva Maddox, Ellmer College of Health Sciences
- Christine Matthews, Division of Digital Transformation and Technology Benjamin Melusky, College of Arts and Letters
- Janet Moloney, College of Sciences
- Dimitrie Popescu, Batten College of Engineering and Technology Kristyn Rose, Division of Digital Transformation and Technology Suzanne Van Orden, Ellmer School of Nursing
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Upcoming Events and News
Event:ÌýÌý
Are you making course materials decisions for the next academic year? You're invited to attend an Open TextbookÌýWorkshopÌýon Friday, April 25, 12-1pm via Zoom where we will explore the variety of and need for open textbooks. You'll learn about adopting or adapting an existing textbook for your course/s and the power of creative commons licenses. By attending theÌýworkshop, you will be eligible to receive a $200 stipend from the Open Education Network for writing a short review of an existing open textbook from theÌýÌýafter theÌýworkshop (one stipend per calendar year per faculty member).
Learn more aboutÌý
Contact Amber Gruszeczka (agruszec@odu.edu) with questions or for more information.
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News: Virginia-authored OER for the inaugural Virginia Open Educational Resource (OER) Impact Award
Nominate a Virginia-authored OER for the inaugural Virginia Open Educational Resource (OER) Impact Award: SCHEV’s Open Virginia Advisory Committee (OVAC) is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the inaugural Virginia Open Educational Resource (OER) Impact Award. This award recognizes outstanding OER in Higher Education that have had a significant impact in Virginia classrooms.
Nominated OER will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Virginia impact (such as: student success metrics, cost avoidance, classroom adoption, etc.)
- Innovative pedagogical approaches leading to active and inclusive learning
- Contributions to Open Education by addressing a need or gap in the pre-existing literature and/or Virginia higher education
- Accessibility (WCAG 2.x AA compliant)
Creators of selected OER will be recognized formally online, via press release, and at an awards ceremony. Awardees will also receive a $2,000 honorarium, funded by VIVA, Virginia’s academic library consortium.
Award Nominations (including self-nominations) will be made via form here:Ìý. Following submission, SCHEV OVAC will review and select three OER to recognize in the pilot year.
Creators of awarded projects will be expected to present their resources at an OVAC/VIVA sponsored online event, date TBD.
For more information about this award, please contact Liz Thompson atÌýthomp3ea@jmu.edu.