In today’s digital world, education is more accessible than ever — and Open Educational Resources (OER) are a big part of that shift. OER are free, publicly available teaching and learning materials that can be used, shared, and often even modified by anyone. They help make quality education available to more people, regardless of location or income.
So, what counts as an OER? These resources can take many forms: textbooks, lesson plans, videos, quizzes, slide decks, and even full online courses. What makes them “open” is that they’re usually licensed under Creative Commons or similar terms, allowing educators and learners to legally use and adapt the content.
OER are valuable because they remove cost barriers. Instead of paying for pricey textbooks or subscriptions, students can access materials online for free. This levels the playing field for learners of all ages — from K–12 students to college learners and lifelong learners.
For educators, OER allow for more flexibility and creativity in the classroom. Teachers can modify content to better fit their students’ needs or local context, rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Popular platforms like OER Commons, OpenStax, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Khan Academy offer high-quality OER across many subjects. Many libraries, universities, and nonprofit organizations also contribute to the growing OER movement.
Getting started is easy: explore trusted OER sites, search by subject or grade level, and see what fits your needs. Most resources come with clear usage rights, so you’ll know exactly how you can share or modify the material.
OER put knowledge within reach — empowering students, teachers, and self-learners everywhere.
